The whole underside of our society has always been violence and still is. Churches, laws - everybody seems to think that man is a noble savage. But he's only an animal. A meat-eating, talking animal. Recognize it. He also has grace and love and beauty. But don't say to me we're not violent.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the inherent violence in human nature and society while also acknowledging beauty and grace.
Sam Peckinpah's quote presents a stark view of humanity, asserting that beneath the surface of civilization, we are driven by primal instincts, primarily violence. He critiques the romanticized notion of humans as noble beings, suggesting instead that we are complex creatures capable of both brutality and beauty, and encourages an honest recognition of our darker traits alongside our capacity for kindness and artistry.
In practice
In a philosophy class discussing the duality of human nature.
Two loves have made two different cities: self-love hath made a terrestrial city, which rises in contempt of God; and Divine Love hath made a celestial one, which rises in contempt of self. The former glories in itself - the latter in God.
You become like what you worship. When you gaze in awe, admiration, and wonder at something or someone, you begin to take on something of the character of the object of your worship.
Madness is rare in individuals - but in groups, parties, nations, and ages it is the rule.
Ah! How I hate the crimes of the new generation: they are dry and sterile as darnel.
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal.
People can only live fully by helping others to live. When you give life to friends you truly live. Cultures can only realize their further richness by honoring other traditions. And only by respecting natural life can humanity continue to exist.
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