Do We Have The Right To Defend Ourselves?

When two nations want to go to war with one another, they often eagerly demure that they have the right to defend themselves. Yet, this is a bogus moral argument designed to shut up opposition. The thought of having a right to defend oneself gives justification to otherwise questionable action to which we feel entitled. It is not based on morals, but on a primitive, animalistic response. Just like a dog bites back when hit of bit, we feel an urge to lash out at an aggressor. And so we often do. Does the dog have the right to defend itself? Or does it do just as a dog would do? In all honesty we should rephrase our argument and take out the moral undertone. "As we are human animals", we could say "we will attack back when attacked". We need no morals for counterattacks (except for restraining them).

In many life situations it is warranted to act according to our animalistic side. As we are animals, we eat and drink when we feel hungry and thirsty. I am grateful for having animal impulses as neither I nor any animal would otherwise survive. Yet, there are plenty of situations in life that should not be run by animal instincts, but rather by our intelligence and compassion. Especially when it comes to aggression, we should question the animalistic response and ask ourselves: "While I can act like an animal and have the urge to do so, is it good for me, my opponent and everybody who is watching and learning from my example?"

My dear brothers and sisters in the Middle East! I assure you, it is not good for anybody that you fight. Amongst other reasons, you have become a beaten dog for one another. Everybody knows that beating a beaten dog is futile. Use your intelligence and your compassion in lieu of your animal instincts to strengthen your opponent. Give them food, drink, medicine, education, land, participation, and freedom. Instill hope and good will in the other. While there is not moral right to defend yourself, only animal instinct, it is your moral right to pursue happiness. And while it may feel "wrong", you could consider it "right" to extend your hand, and thus eventually, bring about long-term peace.