THIS SECTION IS ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY

Aggressive self-preservation - the driver both to greatness and destruction.

When used constructively
Aggressive self-preservation is an instinctive behaviour pattern of Humans which has a great impact on how we interact with each other.

It has helped Humankind to ascend physically to the top of the animal chain. It influences how we react to stimuli which we perceive as being a threat to our preservation, either individually or to our group or community. Our instinct is to preserve our interests with such tenacity that we become aggressive where we need to be aggressive. The interests we preserve might range anywhere from our physical safety, to preserving individual material possessions, to preserving the way we choose to live our life.

In the science world, self-preservation is defined as part of an animal's instinct that demands that the organism survives. Pain and fear are parts of this mechanism. Pain causes discomfort so that the organism is inclined to stop the pain. Fear causes the organism to seek safety and may cause a release of adrenaline which has the effect of increased strength and heightened senses such as hearing, smell, and sight. In Humans, the combination can give rise to a whole series of emotional responses, one of which is aggression.

Whereas the aggression serves us well in some situations, it can often put lives at risk, either our own or those of others. As with all instinct, we do not necessarily act on the instinct. Where we have conflicting instincts, for example, it is not physically possible to respond to both at the same time. And as with all instincts, where we have the time to evaluate our responses, we have a very great degree of control of whether or how we follow our instinct, particularly where the instinctive reaction is not necessarily in our interests.


When used destructively
But aggressive self-preservation is a particular powerful instinct, which is designed for explosive reaction. It is easy pickings for those who want to manipulate our behaviour to further their own interests. So it is important to understand the instinct and the techniques that can be used by people who seek to manipulate each of us to do, or at least not to prevent, their dirty work.

History shows us that manipulation of our aggressive self-preservation instincts has been used to commit some of the most hideous human atrocities ever perpetrated against other humans. It is important to note that the vast majority of people who either actively carried out or passively supported such action, who allowed themselves to be manipulated, also suffered lives of fear and deprivation on a scale unimaginable had they stood up against the butchery and depravity.


Handling our nature
If we understand our instinct to aggressive self-preservation and understand the ways in which it can be manipulated, we stand far less chance of being subject to such manipulation. Perhaps we can use the very same aggressive self-preservation against the manipulators who seek to use for their own personal needs, to preserve our standards of living and decency.

Where acting on the instinct of aggressive self-preservation is in our interests:

• Outbreak of pandemic disease
  
• Threat of physical attack
  
• Threat to our lifestyle

Where acting on the instinct of aggressive self-preservation is not in our interests:

• Threatening the lifestyle of others of which we disapprove
  
• Threatening physical attack for personal gain
  
• Continuing an attack where the threat no longer remains real

Techniques for manipulating the instinct of others to harness their support

• Misleading reporting of facts (eg. incomplete, inaccurate) to spread fear
  
• Artificial homogenising groups of people and ascribing to them threatening attributes
  
• Threatening your interests if you do not comply (violence, threats, imprisonment, theft)