NationStates Jolt Archive


Do you think you have it in you to kill someone?

Kejott
22-05-2005, 06:07
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?
H N Fiddlebottoms VIII
22-05-2005, 06:11
Hey, hey, hey, you don't have any witnesses, and until you can prodduce them I am not talking.
Anyway, I was miles away from the back exit of McDonalds last week at midnight . . . Or anywhere else you might have found that body . . . Not that I know about any bodies . . .
The Downmarching Void
22-05-2005, 06:15
Probably. I learned what a ruthless, me first bastard I'm capable of being during my years as a Morphine junkie and Meth Cook. If someone pushed me far enough and gave me no choice except me or him, yes, I'd kill the bugger, probably with very little heisitation. Its my life, I want to keep it. Add to the mix that I have Bipolar Disorder and things become a little more certain yet. My mania is triggered by and reflects strong emotions in those around me. No amount of Lithium would be able restrain the response I'd have to someone with homicidal intentions towards anybody, much less me. I hope to God it never comes down to such a thing though. Violence is always ugly.

EDIT: I'm not in any way proud of this. I admire people like Ghandi and the Dhalai Llamma (sp?), whom I beleive would be able to chose NOT to kill, even in such a situation.
Santa Barbara
22-05-2005, 06:37
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?

Yep.
Melkor Unchained
22-05-2005, 06:38
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?

Oh yeah I could. But I'd only do it if someone tried to hurt me or someone I was close to first. I reject the initiation of violence. But I do own 7 swords.
Chellis
22-05-2005, 06:40
Easily.
Patra Caesar
22-05-2005, 07:00
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?

Who do you want dead and how much does it pay?
Adrian Barbeau-Bot
22-05-2005, 07:01
under the right circumstances, i could do it gladly. in front of others, if need be. of course, those circumstance would be very, very unlikely. its hard to get me angry at all, so to get me to the point of murder would take alot of work.
Natashenka
22-05-2005, 07:30
Only if my family and a few close friends were in danger. And I suppose myself. Otherwise, no. I'm not so fond of violence, and I would like to avoid it at all costs. Besides, I would just hate it to have that gnawing at my conscience for the rest of my life.
Hammolopolis
22-05-2005, 07:31
Yeah, but does it have to be self defense? Thats kind of limiting.
Cathenia
22-05-2005, 07:43
While I was serving in ROTC I once had an utterly insubordinate jerk(off) who wouldn't respect my authority. He was a Physical Ed jock and he thought he could 'handle' me. Well once he defied my authority in public and I think he thought he was going to teach me a lesson but at that moment I told myself with all calmness that I was going to kill him if it came down to it. Fortunately the officers and MP's were on the scene before I was induced to bash his pathetic brains in which I would have done. If it comes down to it, go for the throat or the eyes, or the groin and then when he's reeling finish it. Before he does it to you...

Okay, not the nicest attitude but I think - with an armory and deadly weapons within reach, it could have been a life or death situation.

His Grace, etc etc, the Supreme Lord Chancellor of Cathenia
Isanyonehome
22-05-2005, 07:44
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?


I hope so, but a person can never know until it comes to that situation.
Beadon
22-05-2005, 07:49
If there were no social consequences to it, I'd have shot several people already. So yeah, if it came down to it, sure.

:sniper:
Cannot think of a name
22-05-2005, 08:03
I don't even really think I have it in me to punch someone.

I'm kinda big, so it's never been an issue. In fact, I had the first naked act of agression directed at me a few weeks ago. I was having a smoke out of the way so I wouldn't bother anyone and a set of drunk frat dudes walked by and threw their water on me. No idea why, just dicks I guess.

Whatever. Even if I could have taken on four frat dudes I didn't really want to. Just stunned, really. It was nice to actually test the pacifism and see that violence wasn't even a reaction.
Pepe Dominguez
22-05-2005, 08:08
EDIT: I'm not in any way proud of this. I admire people like Ghandi and the Dhalai Llamma (sp?), whom I beleive would be able to chose NOT to kill, even in such a situation.

That's a myth about Gandhi.. Gandhi wasn't against violence where cowardice was the only alternative, e.g. a situation someone trying to kill you, specifically, for apolitical motives.
Gartref
22-05-2005, 08:16
I don't even really think I have it in me to punch someone.

I'm kinda big, so it's never been an issue. In fact, I had the first naked act of agression directed at me a few weeks ago. I was having a smoke out of the way so I wouldn't bother anyone and a set of drunk frat dudes walked by and threw their water on me. No idea why, just dicks I guess.

Whatever. Even if I could have taken on four frat dudes I didn't really want to. Just stunned, really. It was nice to actually test the pacifism and see that violence wasn't even a reaction.

I would have eaten their livers with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
Illich Jackal
22-05-2005, 08:34
Yes, i am emotionally capable of killing people.

But, in a dangerous situation, my first reaction is freeze (freeze, flight or fight) and think. I've been hit in the face a couple of times, and i usually just look at him, analyse the situation and see how mad and pathetic he is, and a few seconds later i just turn my back on him and the fight is over. On one occasion tho, the situation was different and i knocked him out.

I know that if the situation is grave, i will go for the nose, throath, neck.
Kejott
22-05-2005, 08:39
Who do you want dead and how much does it pay?

If I needed someone dead I am quite capable of doing it myself. I didn't learn Kali for nothin :p
The Holy Womble
22-05-2005, 08:39
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?
Most certainly
Pax Topaz
22-05-2005, 08:56
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?

Hard to say, never been in such a situtation. Though to guess, I'd have to say yes, given under the right circumstances.
Der Fuhrer Dyszel
22-05-2005, 09:04
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?


Yes, I do, and that person would be myself. And no, I would take no preventative actions.
WadeGabriel
22-05-2005, 09:10
If I'm cornered and have no way to run..I'll first shout "Wait..." and try to come up with something...and half way through my speech, when he's least expected...I'll start kicking his balls....repeately..and when he finally falls to the ground...I'll start jumping on his groin...er....probably until he dies of pain and internal bleeding. *evil* :p just to go alone with the topic... :D
THE LOST PLANET
22-05-2005, 09:24
Do I have it in me to kill someone?

While I like to think of myself as the non-violent type, the truth is if I could have run faster than him I probably would have done so already.

I lettered in track but I couldn't close the distance that day.

I guess he just had more motivation than I did, that motivation being me running after him with blood in my eye and a 8" hunting knife in my hand screaming "I'm gonna KILL you!" ;)
Saxnot
22-05-2005, 09:38
Only accidentally.
Dragons Bay
22-05-2005, 10:05
Hell yeah. If my life was threatened to a certain degree, I would kill. I'm quite sure of it.
Ominrio
22-05-2005, 10:28
Yes, I am, sadly, emotionly detached. I didn't cry when my mother died, I won't feel sadness of killing someone. Besides my sister, but thats different.
Karas
22-05-2005, 10:47
EDIT: I'm not in any way proud of this. I admire people like Ghandi and the Dhalai Llamma (sp?), whom I beleive would be able to chose NOT to kill, even in such a situation.

While the Dhalai Llamma has never killed anyone with his own hands, to my knowledge, he has killed indirectly. As the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet he authorized the creation of a militia in an effort to fend off Chinese invasion. This militia killed Chinese soldiers despite being eventually slaughtered.
Diamond Realms
22-05-2005, 10:51
To protect my loved ones, or myself in extremely critical situations, yes. When less critical, I would just attempt to knock the threatening person out. In all other situations, no.

Edit: Forgot to quote myself on "If I'd shoot anyone, I'd shoot Bush". Meaning, if I had to kill one person, I think the least loss would be of George W. Bush.
Harlesburg
22-05-2005, 10:52
easily whether it be in war or because someone cuts me off on the motorway ill kill em....
Keruvalia
22-05-2005, 11:13
Yes.

Strip away the Zen exterior, the light-hearted joviality, and the quaint propensity for bursting into dance and you'll find me nothing more than an upright, less hairy baboon, willing to rip the lungs out of anyone who threatens my life or my family's life.

That, and there's the whole ugly business with the Army. I'm pretty confident that if it came down to a kill or be killed situation, I'd be howling in the moonlight, soaked in the blood of my enemy.
Kroblexskij
22-05-2005, 11:18
yes, i constantly have to suspress it [eye twitches)
Karrnath
22-05-2005, 11:33
Same here.

But if I were to actually begin killing people, I'd take out the forensic scientists first.
Lunatic Goofballs
22-05-2005, 11:55
Killing is easy. Keeping your victims alive as long as possible is the real challenge.

Perhaps I've said too much...

*runs away*
Lashie
22-05-2005, 12:32
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?

I don't know, i think i do. and it scares me :(

EDIT: Only if absolutely necessary though. I would do everything i could not to... run etc...
31
22-05-2005, 13:05
My life or theirs? My wife's life or theirs? I could kill then. I wouldn't want to, I wouldn't enjoy it but I could do it.
In war I would try to train and be a sniper or tanker. Up close and dirty fighting like a regular just would not be my first option.
ChuChullainn
22-05-2005, 13:12
I have been in plenty of situations where i've completely lost control and couldnt hold back punching someone and when in that state i doubt killing someone would be very difficult although i would never want to be in that situation. Living in northern ireland the thing that stops me hitting a lot of people is the thought that they could be connected to paramilitary groups who i really dont want to get knee-capped by.
Cabra West
22-05-2005, 13:21
No.
Never, under no circumstances.
I wouldn't call that cowardice, though. But I believe that nobody has the right to kill anybody, period.
I know that there are people out there who might want to kill me, or friends or family, but that doesn't give me ther right to kill them.
It's my belief that there are a number of things worth dying for, but nothing is ever worth killing for.
If I didn't live by this principle, I would have killed my father years ago... when I was around 15
Whispering Legs
22-05-2005, 13:22
Been there, done that.
Pure Metal
22-05-2005, 13:30
No.
Never, under no circumstances.
I wouldn't call that cowardice, though. But I believe that nobody has the right to kill anybody, period.
I know that there are people out there who might want to kill me, or friends or family, but that doesn't give me ther right to kill them.
It's my belief that there are a number of things worth dying for, but nothing is ever worth killing for.
If I didn't live by this principle, I would have killed my father years ago... when I was around 15
same here, minus the father thing.
ChuChullainn
22-05-2005, 13:34
A lot of people can say that they believe that killing someone is never acceptable but there are plenty of situations that will push you past a certain point and you will lose control and only realise what you have done afterwards. The only difference between people is the point at which this occurs. Some people have a lot more control than others but everyone has a limit
Whispering Legs
22-05-2005, 13:41
I see that a lot of you are talking about "killing" the same way that virgins talk about sex.
Kejott
22-05-2005, 13:43
I see that a lot of you are talking about "killing" the same way that virgins talk about sex.

I have also noticed that. I've had veterans describe what goes on in their minds once they've taken another human life. I KNOW if the moment came to it, and I had to kill someone with my bare hands my training would kick in and I wouldn't even notice until I actually knew what I did. I'd probably be messed up for a few months, but I know I am capable and I would do it.
Cabra West
22-05-2005, 13:49
I see that a lot of you are talking about "killing" the same way that virgins talk about sex.

That's because most of us go through life without killing other people.
Cabra West
22-05-2005, 13:52
A lot of people can say that they believe that killing someone is never acceptable but there are plenty of situations that will push you past a certain point and you will lose control and only realise what you have done afterwards. The only difference between people is the point at which this occurs. Some people have a lot more control than others but everyone has a limit

I have never experienced any situation like that and I doubt I ever will. As I said before, if I didn't have that kind of "control", my father would be that and the wrld would definitely be a better place for it.
Believe me, if THAT situation didn't push me past my limits of control, nothing ever will.
Communist atlantis
22-05-2005, 13:52
i gave this a lot of thought recently, but when it comes down to it, what is life if you are constantyl oppressed, if i had the means, i wolud kill every american i could find
Kejott
22-05-2005, 13:53
i gave this a lot of thought recently, but when it comes down to it, what is life if you are constantyl oppressed, if i had the means, i wolud kill every american i could find

And I'd fight back and you'd end up the dead one. ;)
Zaphol
22-05-2005, 13:55
Men are men so men a men...













What chair?
Homieville
22-05-2005, 13:59
Killing someone Noway. and how did this question come up to your head? But I would kill myself for the Church.If it came down to anything serious
The Motor City Madmen
22-05-2005, 14:12
i gave this a lot of thought recently, but when it comes down to it, what is life if you are constantyl oppressed, if i had the means, i wolud kill every american i could find

Can you try to start with me, little buddy?
31
22-05-2005, 14:16
i gave this a lot of thought recently, but when it comes down to it, what is life if you are constantyl oppressed, if i had the means, i wolud kill every american i could find

Yeah, those oppressed Kiwis. Thousands of US troops storming New Zealand. Slaughtering the innocents and generally oppressing whatever they find at hand. Must be rough for you.
Ravea
22-05-2005, 15:23
Yes, but not in cold blood. I'd refuse to kill an innocent person. Someone that was threatening me or another person, however-that's a different story.
Mt-Tau
22-05-2005, 16:10
Kill someone? I could only think of one situation that I would kill someone. If my life is threatend by someone then I would. Otherwise, no.
Eutrusca
22-05-2005, 16:13
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?
I know I do because I have. And, yes, I would take action to defend myself or others, if it came down to that, and can do that quite well, thank you. :)

( I think I agree with one of the posters to your "Die for your country" thread. You seem obsessed with this sort of topic lately. ) ;)
Time spliters
22-05-2005, 16:14
hey guy im a captian in the u.s navy this its not even a question i have killed people and still am doing it lol believe me its awsome :sniper:
Eutrusca
22-05-2005, 16:14
hey guy im a captian in the u.s navy this its not even a question i have killed people and still am doing it lol believe me its awsome :sniper:
Uh huh. Pardon me if I remain skeptical of this. :rolleyes:
Eutrusca
22-05-2005, 16:17
My life or theirs? My wife's life or theirs? I could kill then. I wouldn't want to, I wouldn't enjoy it but I could do it.
In war I would try to train and be a sniper or tanker. Up close and dirty fighting like a regular just would not be my first option.
Then you definitely shouldn't become a sniper! They have a very high attrition rate. :(
Cabra West
22-05-2005, 16:30
hey guy im a captian in the u.s navy this its not even a question i have killed people and still am doing it lol believe me its awsome :sniper:

How sad... I hate having to find time and again that I'm right in my prejudices about military people
Jibea
22-05-2005, 16:32
If I'm cornered and have no way to run..I'll first shout "Wait..." and try to come up with something...and half way through my speech, when he's least expected...I'll start kicking his balls....repeately..and when he finally falls to the ground...I'll start jumping on his groin...er....probably until he dies of pain and internal bleeding. *evil* :p just to go alone with the topic... :D

What if it was a girl?

I would probably be able to kill anybody if it was neccasary.
Ashmoria
22-05-2005, 16:36
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?

no i dont. i think that even under the most imminent danger with a loaded unlocked gun in my hand i would hesitate and mess it all up. you have to have preparation if you expect to be able to act quickly in extreme emergencies.
Eutrusca
22-05-2005, 16:38
How sad... I hate having to find time and again that I'm right in my prejudices about military people
That poster is no military person. Trust me. For one thing a Captain who spells "captian" is no Captain. :)
Eutrusca
22-05-2005, 16:40
What if it was a girl?

I would probably be able to kill anybody if it was neccasary.
Hmm. I might be able to kill a woman ( not a "girl" ), but I would probably hesitate, which means I would probably be dead. :(
Eutrusca
22-05-2005, 16:42
no i dont. i think that even under the most imminent danger with a loaded unlocked gun in my hand i would hesitate and mess it all up. you have to have preparation if you expect to be able to act quickly in extreme emergencies.
Very true. That's why most military training is so intensive. The mantra is, "Train the way you're going to fight," so the military actually almost always "overtrains."
Umlilo
22-05-2005, 16:46
If murder were legal, I'd be busy all afternoon.

But seriously, if it came right down to it and I, or someone close to me,was threatened, I could do it. But the situation would have to be dire and I would feel haunted by it for the rest of my life.
Eutrusca
22-05-2005, 17:11
... I would feel haunted by it for the rest of my life.
There's a lot of that going 'round.
Whispering Legs
22-05-2005, 18:24
Then you definitely shouldn't become a sniper! They have a very high attrition rate. :(
During Vietnam, yes. Currently, no.

In an examination of engagements by snipers in urban combat today, most are blocks away from the actual fighting, and very, very few Arabs have any real ability - even basic ability - with a rifle.

In Fallujah and other locations, they call snipers the way you used to call for artillery.
Zotona
22-05-2005, 19:18
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?
I think I would have it in me to kill someone. I have quite a bit of hatred and anger locked up inside of me which I could easily conjure up if I felt I had reason to. I would kill to (A) defend myself, (B) defend my family and/or friends, or (C) defend someone's rights.
Legless Pirates
22-05-2005, 19:19
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?
I fear I have, but I hope I don't
Canzanetti
22-05-2005, 21:06
If Hitler was there in the room and you had a gun, would you kill him?

I don't think I could.
Zotona
22-05-2005, 21:07
If Hitler was there in the room and you had a gun, would you kill him?

I don't think I could.
I would be able to kill him without a moment's hesitation.
Cabra West
22-05-2005, 21:10
If Hitler was there in the room and you had a gun, would you kill him?

I don't think I could.

I know I couldn't.
CJ Holdings
22-05-2005, 21:14
In all honest, it depends. Up close and personal, most likely not.


Fifteen thousand miles away with just a button to push? I could probably bring myself to do it, but I'd hate myself later.

Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. :)
Sunstars
22-05-2005, 21:18
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?

self defense? definately. Also, u could shoot them in almost anywhere but the chest and they would live, but not be able to harm you b/c they are in pain. Same w/ teh stabbing and bashing.... and if they are goin 2 do it 2 u, u may as well

so
yep, (but that doesnt mean i would go on a killing spree... of course not :rolleyes: )
Sunstars
22-05-2005, 21:20
If Hitler was there in the room and you had a gun, would you kill him?

I don't think I could.

i could kill him, and then stomp on top of his dead body, before feeding it to rats.... not that it's possible, seemin that the SOB killed him self...
OceanDrive
22-05-2005, 21:21
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?the Governemts from around the World have been succesful to make you maim and kill...they can even get you to Torture someone that you dont know...

any ordinary citizen can become murderer given the proper mind training...
Venderbaar
22-05-2005, 21:24
if someone threatens me and only me ill try to knock them out, if they go after anyone else then they get the dead button.
Eutrusca
22-05-2005, 22:51
During Vietnam, yes. Currently, no.

In an examination of engagements by snipers in urban combat today, most are blocks away from the actual fighting, and very, very few Arabs have any real ability - even basic ability - with a rifle.

In Fallujah and other locations, they call snipers the way you used to call for artillery.
Ah! Ok. Perhaps I can be forgiven that they wouldn't let me go to Iraq then, yes? :)
DrunkenDove
22-05-2005, 23:31
I've always wondered what it would be like. Aside from that, how the hell should I know? I imagine its an "at the moment" kind of thing.
Shadowstorm Imperium
22-05-2005, 23:58
If Hitler was there in the room and you had a gun, would you kill him?

I don't think I could.

I'd be too busy trying to figure out how he came back to life...

But to answer the original question, only if it were necessary, and it would probably be accidental.
Roach-Busters
23-05-2005, 00:06
Yes. If I ever had the chance, there a lot of people I'd happily kill: Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Robert Mugabe, Daniel Ortega, Ahmed Ben Bella, Fidel Castro...
IImperIIum of man
23-05-2005, 02:13
if my life, or the life of a loved one, or even to stop a violent criminal in the act, i would kill without hesitation or remorse.
Funky Beat
23-05-2005, 11:50
I'd be too busy trying to figure out how he came back to life...

But to answer the original question, only if it were necessary, and it would probably be accidental.

I'm Polish, and if I were ever in the same room as Hitler, I would cause him pain in so many ways describing it would get me forumbanned...
Delator
23-05-2005, 12:24
Could I kill someone?

If it was a self-defense situation, or if a loved one was in danger, or numerous lives were on the line, I don't feel that I would have even the slightest problem with it.

After that, it gets much trickier...in most circumstances I would say no.

Hitler? I don't need a gun. Give me a cheese-grater, a corkscrew, some wire and a hot-plate...he'll have some fun before the end. :eek: :D
Commie Catholics
23-05-2005, 12:31
I think just about everyone has it in them to kill someone. If I ever had to I'd prefer to be the guy four hundred yards away looking down the telescopic sight.
Parduna
23-05-2005, 12:33
Who do you want dead and how much does it pay?

Can I tg you on this matter?
Divine Imaginary Fluff
23-05-2005, 12:38
I'm pretty sure that I could kill someone. And concidering the way I have been thinking lately, I doubt I would feel bad about it afterwards. I guess I won't know for sure until it happens, if it ever does, however...
The Bolglands
23-05-2005, 12:50
I probably could, but only in a my friends or you type situation you know? If someones got a gun on me, they're going down... as long as they don't hit me in the head, but any experienced marksman will aim for the chest, not the head, as the head is a small, quickly moving target, the chest is quiet a bit bigger.
Thetachron
23-05-2005, 13:26
Would I kill someone?

Fuck yeah! Bring it!! :mp5:
Whispering Legs
23-05-2005, 13:36
I'll reiterate. This is like hearing virgins talk about sex.

You can say you'll kill or not kill - you can say either all you like up until the point that you are presented with the opportunity.

Whether you can or not at that point is truly unknown. But I would say that most people can do it - not that they'll all be happy later (and that's another thing - it bothers some people later and not others - and you don't always know who that will be either). But I would say that contrary to popular opinion, it doesn't bother most people as much as you might think.

For most people, put into a condition of self-preservation and survival against people who want to kill them, killing is something that is possible, and in such a case, doesn't engender a tremendous amount of remorse. The stress of the situation from the fear of death and personal injury is usually far more traumatic than the act of killing to survive.
Carnivorous Lickers
23-05-2005, 13:47
I'll reiterate. This is like hearing virgins talk about sex.




this is a good analogy
Mazalandia
23-05-2005, 14:39
under the right circumstances, i could do it gladly. in front of others, if need be. of course, those circumstance would be very, very unlikely. its hard to get me angry at all, so to get me to the point of murder would take alot of work.

I'm similar to you, but put a confirmed rockspider or rapist in front of me and I could not guarantee they would live through the meeting.
Mekonia
23-05-2005, 14:44
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?

The only person I would ever consider doing this for is my little sister. I'm almost 11 years older than her and feel very protective of her. In reality tho I wouldn't.
Stop Banning Me Mods
23-05-2005, 14:52
If the moment came down to it, would you have it in you to shoot,stab, or bash someone to death? If so, do you think you are you prepared to take action if your life is ever threatened?


Yep, and as a revolutionary, I hope to someday help the shooting, stabbing, or bashing of at least someone.
Mazalandia
23-05-2005, 14:52
I'll reiterate. This is like hearing virgins talk about sex.

You can say you'll kill or not kill - you can say either all you like up until the point that you are presented with the opportunity.

Whether you can or not at that point is truly unknown. But I would say that most people can do it - not that they'll all be happy later (and that's another thing - it bothers some people later and not others - and you don't always know who that will be either). But I would say that contrary to popular opinion, it doesn't bother most people as much as you might think.

For most people, put into a condition of self-preservation and survival against people who want to kill them, killing is something that is possible, and in such a case, doesn't engender a tremendous amount of remorse. The stress of the situation from the fear of death and personal injury is usually far more traumatic than the act of killing to survive.

An better analogy would be virgins talking about whether they would ever have sex.
Besides, the thread is "Do you think you could kill." not "When would you kill" although I said that as well
The Downmarching Void
23-05-2005, 14:53
That's a myth about Gandhi.. Gandhi wasn't against violence where cowardice was the only alternative, e.g. a situation someone trying to kill you, specifically, for apolitical motives.

While the Dhalai Llamma has never killed anyone with his own hands, to my knowledge, he has killed indirectly. As the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet he authorized the creation of a militia in an effort to fend off Chinese invasion. This militia killed Chinese soldiers despite being eventually slaughtered.

I realize now that my my statement was innaccurate. A better example is Morihei Ueshiba, creator of Aikido. He proved through his actions that he was capable of diffusing such a situation without killing the person, instead redirecting the violence intended for him away from himself AND his attacker. A very high ideal, yes, but not impossible.
Cabra West
23-05-2005, 15:00
Does "someone" refer only to other persons or also to oneself?

Because in that case I know I would be capable...