Will We Always Make War?

I was drawn to an amazing radio program on WNYC today. The program Radiolab began today with a story of how a layman gave a sermon in church one Sunday two decades ago posing one question: "Will we, as humans, ever stop fighting; will we ever cease to make war?" As a teacher he began posing to pedestrians in Hoboken every summer many years ago. Twenty years ago 67% of people said yes, we are capable of changing. Today only 10% responded that we could change our evil ways. "It's just human nature to fight" was the standard answer.


Is it "natural" for us to fight, make war? The avid teacher then went to study baboons - one of our ancestoral cousins - known to be more exciteable and agressive than other primates. His findings were amazing and telling for us all. That discussion led to the story about a transgendered person in Silverton, OR who became mayor of that tiny town. Overall this Radiolab explores whether humans can - on a basic level - change. Want to hear this or other editions of this interesting series? Go to http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/. Friday is science day on this public radio station and there are many programs that catch the imagination and encourage further thought. Check your local public radio station to see when this and other programs are broadcast ... or podcast ... or available on your computer!