The Animal Within

Abstract

Modern humans inherit needs and behaviours from our animal ancestors. These include the desire to belong to a group, the drive for high status within a group and the need for territory and resources. These drives are the seeds of many social problems. Fear of exclusion provides powerful motivation to conform. Leaders exploit this fear, and outside threats, to unite people behind them. The desire for status often leads to destructive competition and self-interested consumption. The inability to cope with traumatic events can lead people into denial. The ancient drive to conquer a hostile and dangerous world still colours people’s attitudes towards nature and the environment.

Man is the cruellest animal.¹