Aggression has had some bad press over the last few years and rightly so. Aggression can be a significant factor in violence, assault and murder. It can cause harm both verbal and physical in many ways. However, we must bear in mind that aggression has the potential for good as well.

What about the aggression that helps you acknowledge your own vulnerabilities and limitations and tells you to venture forth in spite of them?

Firstly, let’s start with why aggression exists. Humans unlike most, if not all, other mammals on Earth are unique due to our bipedal structure. Most mammals walk on four legs with the toughest part of their bodies on their back to protect the most vulnerable part of their bodies: their genitals. We humans for a myriad of reasons eventually began walking on two legs upright with the most vulnerable part of our bodies on full display, open to attack. In the biblical story of Adam and Eve, when they became aware of their vulnerability, they immediately covered the most vulnerable parts of their bodies to protect themselves (1). In some way, we became aware of our own limitation and our own mortality. We became aware of evil as we became aware of what harms could befall us and therefore what harms could befall other humans. Evolutionary speaking, perhaps becoming aware of good and evil and our own mortality was when we became aware of how to protect ourselves. Aggression was necessary to protect ourselves from violent predators and the harsh environment. Aggression motivated us to survive against the toughest opponents.

So where does that leave us now in modern and cosy societies? It leaves us attempting to stamp out aggression. Of course, toxic aggression and murderous aggression should be but what about the aggression that tells you to get out of bed and conquer the day? What about the aggression that motivates you to win? What about the aggression that helps you acknowledge your own vulnerabilities and limitations and tells you to venture forth in spite of them?

Keep On Struggling,

Gregor

Place I Visited - Liverpool

Last week, I visited my partner’s family in Liverpool and we had a great time eating and sight-seeing. The city has a rich history and the atmosphere was not dissimilar to Glasgow’s. If you’re a Beatles fan, I’d recommend The Beatles Story Museum as it is filled with incredible items from their history including a pair of John Lennon’s signature glasses.

Struggle Short of the Week

Watch here

Quote to Ponder

I have profited greatly from Esther Dyson's advice about accepting speaking engagements: "Would I say yes if it were on Tuesday?" Because the day will come when it is on Tuesday, and you'll be saying, "Damn, why did I say yes to that?" Forethought is a virtue; remember that one day, that distant future will be now, and the choices you make today will have shaped the choices you are able to make then. This obviously has wide applications to social and environmental issues (ahem, climate change or income inequality) as well - Tim O’Reilly

References

1) The Jordan Peterson Podcast - Genesis: Chaos & Order

2) Image Credit - RawPixel