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About this quote

What does it mean?
Violence often stems from a lack of clear self-definition or purpose.
In plain terms
People act violently when they don't know who they are.
What can you take from it?
Lack of identity fuels violent behavior.

Where it applies

  • social unrest
  • personal crisis
  • radicalization

Putting it to work

  • study root causes of violence
  • build community identity

Questions to consider

  • Can violence ever be non-threatening?
  • How does identity relate to aggression?

Another view

Some violence occurs even when identity is clear.

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