Good news – no, we are not.

Seville Statement

In 1986 an international meeting of scientists was convened in Seville by the Spanish National Commission for UNESCO. This meeting asked the question: 'Are humans warlike by their very nature and so destined to be constantly fighting - or is the appetite for war something that humans have learned and therefore can eventually unlearn'

The scientists refuted the notion that organised human violence is biologically determined. Humans are not genetically programmed to do violence to each other. The conference adopted a 'Statement on Violence' now known as the Seville Statement, that contains five core propositions on what does not cause war:

1. War is not acquired form humankind's animal ancestors
2. War is not inherited from our forebears
3. War is not necessary to ensure a better standard of living
4. War is not due to the biological composition of the brain
5. War is not due to some basic 'instinct' or any other single motivation

The Seville Statement ends: 'Biology does not condemn humanity to violence and war. Instead, it is possible to end war and the suffering it causes. To do this will require everyone working together, but it must begin in the mind of each person with the belief that it is possible. The same human being who has made war, is capable of constructing peace. Each of us has a task to do.'

Full Statement: http://www.unesco.org/cpp/uk/declarations/seville.pdf