Why do some people believe violence is never the answer?

[Counterclocking]

I never agreed with it. There is such thing as necessary violence like in self defense. I do agree violence should be the last resort but there is a time when violence is necessary. I’m against pacifism as Catholics are against abortion. By the way pacifism isn’t only useless but it’s also against my religion.

[GuyAnswersGirls123]

Too idealistic! If everyone was so pacifist that they don't even resort to violence in self-defense in a group of people, and only one exceptionally resorts to violence, he'd end up running everything with no resistance whatsoever.

Self-defense needs to be considered a part of ethical conduct. Even if all humans subscribed to it (which they don't), if my wife is being attacked by a wolf, I need to protect her forcefully from the wolf. I'm pretty sure that politely asking, "Could you please stop eating my wife?" to the wolf won't work!

[GuyAnswersGirls123]

Even if all humans subscribed to pacifism to the point where they never resort to violence, I should say.

[GuyAnswersGirls123]

One thing I could see though is for all of us who seek to defend to be trained in forms of self-defense that minimize harm, like Judo (focused on grappling and seeking to cause submission) rather than Karate (focused on striking and causing damage). Favoring pepper spray or tasers before firearms, even if it comes at some greater risk to us. That seems most ethical to me.

[GuyAnswersGirls123]

But seeking to be a total pacifist at the negligence of defending ourselves and others when attacked can't be ethical as I see it so long as there are any hostile and violent creatures in the universe which we can encounter.

[normalice]

Violence in self defense is fine but for no other reason.

[IslaTheWitch]

If someone uses words to offend you, answering with your fists is an exaggeration... it shows the weaknesses.

Violence is never the answer refers rather to such situations. No one says we can't defend ourselves or our loved ones. But still, violence should be used to counter other violence, not words or gestures.

[laly520]

violence may help at the moment but not on long run
violence is language of the weak people
we r humans we have minds to think, values n a certain degree of being civilised
using violence would be an insult to us as human race