Dynamics of Cruelty: Historical, Ideological, and Psychological Roots
A world of cruelty does not fit within the confines of simple personal outbursts of malice – it is a complex kaleidoscope of historical, ideological, and psychological processes. Even at the dawn of society’s formation, violence became a trial triggered by fateful changes, where tragedies and global catastrophes forged their own unique history. Yet cruelty is not only manifested in large-scale wars: societal ideals, whether in the form of religious fanaticism or revolutionary aspirations, direct violence by giving it a certain “face” that later becomes the justification for resolute actions and social upheaval. Another important aspect is the deep psychological roots of aggression, which can emerge even in the most prosperous families when an inner emptiness and a lack of emotional support foster destructive impulses from an early age. It is also worth noting that the drive for renewal – the destruction of old foundations – is inevitably accompanied by painful processes in which the loss of balance often becomes the price of progress. Thus, modern cruelty is not only a tragedy for individual fates but also the result of a multilayered interplay among historical destiny, ideological contradictions, and internal psychological conflicts, making the study of these processes both complex and fascinating.