burjennio » Thu May 31, 2012 10:37 pm wrote:there is nothing instinctual about beliefs and opinions. They are learned traits. Natural selection is a term used to describe how beneficial mutations lead to long term survival inside specific environments, we are not evolved to hate - we have evolved to cooperate. Everything about the rise of the human rise has been driven by large groups of people working together for a greater good. Unfortunately not every group has had altruistic intentions which has led to barbaric acts of violence and murder against their fellow man, driven by the greed of the select few who believe they deserve more than the rest. Humanity has achieved the intelligence to rise above instinct, yet everywhere we turn there are those looking to exploit our own evolutionary weaknesses for their own gains - this is not an act of natural selection, this is man CHOOSING to manipulate the primitive impulses inside each one of us for bigger slice of the pie.
Survival of the fittest. We're a part of the animal kindgom only more intelligent than our animal friends, lions weren't born to hate, they however, were born to survive. Even if that means protecting their offspring from other lion packs. Human's IMO are no different when it comes down to the crux of this debate; our intelligence has evolved but whether you can make a generalising statement that says "intelligence can rise above instinct", I'm not so sure because I don't think both are mutually exclusive to one another but more so, the intelligence of many feeds their innate instincts to survive. For example:
It could be said that you identify yourself as N.Irish NOT Irish, you have an identity as such and wish to see that identity survive amongst your own people, and the rest of the world. Which in a way proves my point as you are not happy to be affiliated with another group of people, you'd like to see the survival, recognition and independence of your people evolve -- because they are your people, tribe, clan, group etc.
Champions of England 2020.
YNWA