Human Behavior: Nature News Summary

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The article “Human behaviour: Killer instincts: Nature News” relates to the novel, Candide, in various ways. The article’s purpose is to explain the nature behind killing such as, how it came to be, what group is more likely to do it, and the reasoning behind it. All of these explanations help to justify many of Candide’s actions in the novel. His actions come from his motive to fight for love. This human condition, a longing for love, obviously has a strong influence on Candide’s actions. It creates such an influence, that his actions turn violent. However, his actions are so violent at points in the novel that they prove to be questionable acts. The article “Human behaviour: Killer instincts: Nature News” offers some commentary on why his …show more content…
Jones argues against the optimistic theories of why humans can be so violent. Some may believe that humans are not genetically programmed to kill due to past animal ancestors. Jones, however, encourages the idea that society has proved these beliefs wrong. It is very dependent on the situation. Jones states, “If humans have evolved to kill, then it seems that they have also evolved to live without killing, given the right circumstances.” This proves that killing programmed into a human mind is very dependent on the society they are living in. It would be difficult to be “evolved to kill” if someone grew up in a war-free environment. Sadly, the majority of humans have been exposed to a war torn area or they are at least aware of it. Similarly, Candide found himself surrounded in a state of war. Watching other violent actions helped his brain justify his murders of Cunegonde’s suitors later in the novel. Besides his mind supporting his actions, other professional opinions state, “murderous actions are usually the by-product of urges towards some other goal. The purpose of the sometimes violent competition that goes with human urges for higher status…”. These ideas can also support the motive behind Candide’s actions- love and competition. His goal from his murderous actions is the heart and love of Cunegonde. The competition between the men
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