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If I had met another hominid on my way, I doubt I would want to kill it right away because it horrifies me. I would rather expect the natural trigger that prevents me from killing other people to turn on.

I'm not saying that different species of hominids didn't kill each other, I just think that the main reason behind killings was fight for food and other resources, not the low level fear instinct that we experience during encounters with spiders, snakes and worms.




Your applying your modern-day, urban culture to ancient tribal societies. Studies of our remaining modern day tribal societies in Papua New Guinea disagree with you. I suggest reading "Guns, Germs, & Steel"


It doesn't have to be direct conflict.

The margins for survival are very slim. Out-competing through more effective hunting and gathering would make a huge difference.




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