Why Do Some Enjoy Hurting Others?

Why do some people enjoy others’ pain? This 19-minute, 50-second video explores the dark roots of cruelty—from bullies to tyrants like Genghis Khan. Science shows everyday sadism lights up the brain’s reward system (Buckels et al., 2013). Nietzsche’s “will to power” ties cruelty to a warped need for impact, while trauma turns victims into perpetrators. Empathy fades under dehumanization or stress, fueling atrocities and online trolls. Social systems and moral certainty, like Torquemada’s Inquisition, can make harm a virtue. Yet, compassion can win with understanding. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro, 3:15 Sadism Science, 7:40 Nietzsche, 12:20 Trauma, 16:00 Society. Original narration from my research and public domain—verify independently. #Cruelty #Psychology #HumanNature #History #Empathy
Attribution:
Inspired by Nietzsche, Buckels et al. (2013), and public domain. Narration is original.
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