This study will argue that aggression and violence are essential aspects of human nature. The ability to use physical force against another human being or an animal threatening one with harm is a necessity in self-preservation. In that sense, it is "essential," for existence is essential. At the same time, until it is proved that a gene is physically responsible for the "aggression and violence," it cannot be said beyond any doubt that those qualities are built into the human being or not. The question remains philosophical.
There is little doubt that some of the great philosophers believe that violence and aggression are an essential part of human nature. In fact, most social and political systems were and are designed specifically to prevent the chaos that would result if laws did not hinder human beings from expressing their aggressive tendencies without restraint.
Thomas Hobbes in Leviathan portrays human nature in its origins as a very violent and destructive force. As a result, he proposes a powerful government in order to control the aggressive self-centeredness of human beings in the state of pure nature. Hobbes construction of the ideal society is based on his belief that civil order is the top priority, for the alternative is the violence of man against man unto death in nature. This leads him to give great power to the Leviathan. Hobbes argues convincingly that such power is necessary because of the terrible state of greed, violence and universal war which exists in the state of nature. To Hobbes, the state of nature is one in which every individual has the right to take whatever he wants from anybody else through any means necessary. The state of nature is a state of aggression, chaos and insecurity:
The condition of Man [in the state of nature] is a condition of War of everyone against everyone. . . . As long as this natural Right of every man to everything endureth, there can be no security to any man (Hobb...