"Do not act like a beast!" Common line referred to humans that show unacceptable social models of conduct. But, is the comparison suitable? Dogs are beasts that hunt animals, they kill with their teeth, with one goal – to survive. On the other hand, while humans help themselves with food from their table, the only thing to care about is the taste and whether we will properly use the silverware in company. But if we do not ignore what preceded that, we will understand that the animal in our plate was killed, prepared in numerous ways and served. What s the difference then between what we do and what beasts do? We do not see that cruel act; it is happening somewhere out there. We enjoy the food, we do not eat just to survive. So, there is an actual difference.
The other reason for "do not act like a beast" s perhaps for overhunting that we consider typical to beasts. It occurs from time to time and not because of greed. But hunger. Both wolves and foxes belong and other members of dog family can kill more than they can eat or take with them in that moment. But if no one disturbs them, they will dig out a den, place the prey inside and then close the den. They will come back for it, sometimes even after a few months. Although they do not kill out of greed we still give them credit for it. We forget that humans gather money, stock food in fridges, pantries, warehouses, make winter stores. Unlike beasts, we do it when we are full and when the store is next to the house, when animals do not know when the next catch will happen.
Is the reason for "do not act like a beast" expanding the territory? They expand their territory only when foo is deficient. When there is enough food, even overlapping of two pack territories is not a rare occasion. Unlike humans which do not have an obstacle such as food availability, very often makes them arrogant. The urge to expand territory is especially visible then. So strong and so full we are ready to conquer.
Is the reason behind "do not act like a beast" killing of our own kind? Within a pack, conflicts emerge to establish hierarchy and make the pack stronger, not because simple demonstration of power. They defend they territory from others with determination, but territories are respected and entries into opponent's territory are rare, and if they do happen, the reason is lack of food. It is absurd to mention when, where, how, why... are humans capable of killing each other.