Why do humans choose hate over kindness?

You are 5 years old coming into another day of preschool. You put your backpack and lunch bag that your mother packed for you in your assigned cubby. You say “good morning” to all your teachers and head to the playroom where all the other kids are at. As you are coming into the classroom, you notice there is a new lego set that has arrived. You see two boys grabbing the box at the same time. Both of them refused to let go and continued tugging on it until a teacher came by. The teacher demands both boys to apologize to each other, but one boy refuses to and decides to agonize with the other boy and both end up crying.

Conflict in a classroom is just like conflict between leaders in war. Both are fighting for power and struggle to resolve these conflicts. However, both of these situations face very different levels of consequences. The hate and commotion between two children in a classroom involve disagreements and misunderstanding which can lead to disruptions and negativity within the classroom. But, eventually it does get resolved with the help from an adult or teacher. In the state of war, when two countries are fighting, the consequences of the two leaders’ actions are put in the livelihood of their nation. The hate between two leaders can embrace violence and hostility for society. With no guidance from any upper power, the genesis of the war is in their hands.

Some of us grew up where criticism was more common than praise. Essnetially, our environment is what shapes us as we become adults and the hate we give or experience can stay with us. Hate is based on issues of power and control over others which is why we see this so often in leaders where power is a key component of their position. It is crucial the way we are handling arguments and misunderstandings as we are creating an example for our generations to come and future leaders. Hate leads to more division and conflict and that choice belongs to our leaders. “ A word of command has made these silent figures our enemies; a word of command might transform them into our friends” – All Quiet on the Western Front. By demonstrating empathy, cooperation, and kindness we can pave the way for our future leaders to work together and the prosperity of our world.