038: Make Killing a Shame Again

A Call to Action for All Members of the Human Species

Are we all corrupted?

Who among us can truly claim to be free of corruption?

However you identify yourself, we constantly complain about and mourn the actions of the corrupted. But where do we fall on the scale of corruption?

Perhaps imposter syndrome isn’t a syndrome at all, but a fitting description for all of us to some degree. We carry images of ourselves in our minds—identities we present to the world—yet deep down, we know we struggle.

When we recognize that a corrupted action violates judicial laws, religious rules, ethical principles, or internalized traditions, we’re quick to label others as corrupted. But are we so different?

The Roots of Violence

We are, by nature, compassionate creatures—under most circumstances. Yet, the instinct to survive brings fear, and fear hurts.

When certain actions cost lives, we tend to collaborate to stand against them. But collaboration becomes dangerous when it justifies killing.

As members of Homo sapiens, we likely massacred our evolutionary cousins—Neanderthals, Denisovans, and perhaps others—on our journey to dominance. We are the violent survivors who claimed ultimate power over this planet. And we didn’t stop there. We continued to kill each other. We still do.

Killing has stayed with us, a shameful shadow of our history.

Generated by Sora. Prompt: “someone with a stone tablet, which says …”

A Call to Leave Killing Behind

Killing should be as unthinkable as other private acts we avoid in public. It should be a global shame. If someone feels compelled to kill, we must find alternatives—whether through rehabilitation, institutionalization, or other humane solutions.

Our history proves that we’ve killed our way to the top. But it’s time to leave that behind. Let’s make killing a universal shame—in wars, in civil life, everywhere.

Life is precious. However we experience it, it’s mostly good. Your existence is finite, your time limited. Congratulations—you’ve won the evolutionary lottery. You’re here, alive, a member of the human species. You can be anything. Survive, enjoy the ride, and don’t hurt anyone.

The Banality of Evil

What about those who still believe killing is justified? Some may think it’s necessary for survival. Others may be driven by mental health struggles, such as the need to dominate or cause pain to feel validated. And then there are those so distanced from the act of killing that they don’t see it as their own action—justifying it with alleged good intentions.

This is where the banality of evil comes into play. Many individuals follow orders blindly, believing they are doing good, without recognizing the harm they enable.

Let’s make killing a shame for all. Let’s ensure that every individual deserves the chance to experience life. Even those who harm others should be evaluated scientifically—can they be rehabilitated? Can they live among others again?

A Just and Fearless Future

If we can start by rejecting all forms of killing, we can dismantle the Damocles sword that hangs over humanity—the threat of death as a tool of control. Ethical views are easily abandoned when life is at stake. Threatening life itself must be abandoned.

Politicians are corrupted because the systems they operate in are still bloody. But this isn’t just about them. We are all corrupted in some way, because we fear.

Yet, deep down, we know how miraculous life is. Let’s try to survive together. Let’s stop being afraid. We’ve reached the top—now it’s time to share with those who haven’t had the chance to realize this.

"Every life is a gift—a chance to experience existence, thrive, and grow without fear. Under no circumstances should this precious gift be cut short. Let’s stand together and never justify the act of killing, ensuring that every new life is given the opportunity to experience the existence.

Thanks for reading this far. Feel free to share your thoughts—and take care!