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equal_inequity t1_j231mbl wrote

You're missing that the boys do attempt to organise and create some sort of social order. The point is not that without imposed rules and structure humans are inherently wholly inclined to savagery but rather that humans have natural impulses towards BOTH civilisation AND savagery, and that these impulses necessarily exist in conflict with one another.

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Ultinia OP t1_j2ccez7 wrote

Okay, that helps. Thank you. Does this mean he is suggesting that in "normal "society our impulses towards civilization win out because of the environment, and placing humans in a different environment (like the one in the book) will weaken our impulse towards civilization and strengthen our impulses towards savagery?

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