The people were divided into the persecuted and those who persecuted them. That wild beast, which lives in man and does not dare to show itself until the barriers of law and custom have been removed, was now set free. The signal was given, the barriers were down.
The quote highlights the sharp division between those who faced persecution and those who instigated it during times of conflict. It reflects a human tendency that lies dormant until societal norms are dismantled, which can unleash a darker, more violent side of human nature. The environment becomes a breeding ground for primal instincts as the usual constraints of law and decorum fade away.
This commentary underscores how war and turmoil can erode the foundations of civilization, revealing the savage instincts that individuals might otherwise suppress. With the breakdown of societal structures, a chaotic signal emerges, leading to an inevitable escalation of violence and retribution, marking a significant shift in humanity's moral landscape.
