Hunting Isn’t Crazy Behavior
Dr. James Swan posted a lengthy, yet thoughtfully crafted article about the psychology of hunting in the Outdoor Wire. Swan, a retired college professor of ecology and psychology, wrote the article because of increased attacks on hunters via social and mainstream media.
Per the article: “Psychologist Erich Fromm, for example, in his acclaimed study of human aggression, THE ANATOMY OF HUMAN DESTRUCTIVENESS, has written that there is nothing evil or negative about hunting as: ‘In the act of hunting, the hunter returns to their natural state, becomes one with the animal, and is freed from the burden of his existential split: to be part of nature and to transcend it by virtue of his consciousness. In stalking the animal he and the animal become equals, even though man eventually shows his superiority by use of his weapons.’
In short, Fromm says that ethical hunting is good for people as it provides healthy food, and puts one in touch with the roots of the soul and makes them aware of our place in the web of life. Additionally, when hunters kill an animal that it is attacking people, they are acting as heroes, who are very important to human cultures as they model positive behavior.”
Swan even points out that pioneering psychologists Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung hunted and fished. Swan’s full article can be found here. Please take the time to read it in its entirety. It will arm you with solid arguments to use against anti-hunters, as well as other useful information.
PHOTO: Pioneers of psychology Carl Jung (left) and Sigmund Freud on an African safari. Photo courtesy historacle.org.
