''we are not intent on killing each other at all. left to our own devices we are helpful, compassionate and good neighbours.''
IMO - if you look to prehistory ------- all the evidence suggests that what you say is not so
we were always a very aggressive and violent creature
there are certainly some sites which show evidence of peaceful existence for periods - hundreds of years - but, they are not all that common. There is far more evidence of violence as being common prior to the neolithic
after the neolithic - things got even more violent on a large organised scale which we now call war - and it's gotten bigger and bigger.
The best sites that I've seen that show harmony are Lascaux - which seems to show good evidence of a continuum of art done over several hundred years - with generations adding to existing art etc. and also, Arcy-sur-Cure which from memory don't (so far) show any evidence of violence - which is a standout exceptional thing because these caves have been used continuously by hominoids for almost 2 MILLION years
maybe it's the wine and cheese that makes the difference
If you haven't seen Arcy-sur-Cure, it's really worth a visit - just to see the landscape, which you get a very good look at and can imagine what it was like a long long time ago, it's much easier IMO to get an idea of the place than other sites I've visited - many of which have been changed dramatically by modern man
There is no evidence of violence found in the Arcy-sur-Cure caves based on the available information. The caves are renowned for their archaeological significance, including Paleolithic remains, tools, bones, and rock paintings dating back to 300,000 years ago. The site has been frequented by Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, who left behind various artifacts and artworks, but there is no mention of any findings related to violence or conflict in the caves[1][2][3][4].
