The millions of years of estimated time hominids were present on Earth has been marked with vicious spans of violence and while it serves as one of the primary defenses of overt aggression, it too can activate without proper incitement because mammals can easily lash out under stressful circumstances. While instances of human violence overall have reportedly decreased across the globe due to legal reforms, infrastructure development, greater economic opportunity, and technological advances it remains a significant force in the lives of all human beings. Even threats or the perception that violent retribution might occur can trigger escalating counteractions that require only the belief one faces danger. Thus, subjective ideas and feelings can lead to increasingly aggressive tactics which often result in permanent and destructive consequences. Inspecting what the consistent motivators spurring violence are offers a deeper understanding of the possible driving forces within human beings.

Origins of Violence: A guide to some of the primary motivating emotions and instincts that can drive aggressive impulses and interactions leading to violence.