Devices Quote by J. G. Ballard
“Perhaps violence, like pornography, is some kind of an evolutionary standby system, a last-resort device for throwing a wild joker into the game?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Crash, J. G. Ballard, 1973
Violence is portrayed as a primitive, fallback mechanism that surfaces when social order breaks down.
In simple terms: Violence is an emergency response.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage instinctive aggression.
Themes
violence
evolution
social order
control
psychology
Mood
tense
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- media analysis
- political discourse
Key Concepts
evolutionary psychology
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- When does instinct override ethics?
- How can societies channel aggression constructively?
A Different Perspective
Violence can be rationalized as natural, ignoring moral responsibility.
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