it is possible for people to voluntarily cooperate. they can do so in matters of mutual defense and many other things. THAT is what civilization depends upon, as a matter of fact.
In fact, this is exactly how most people live their lives. They wouldn't think of using force against others, except when it comes to defending themselves and the people and things they care about from those who use force against them.
But when people get together in a group, they suddenly feel they aren't bound by the same standards. They somehow acquire rights beyond simple self defense. And history is littered with corpses as a result.
coercion is not necessary to cooperate, to have a society. coercion IS necessary to take advantage others. that does take the use of force. people don't seem to go along with being abused willingly.
In fact, this is exactly how most people live their lives. They wouldn't think of using force against others, except when it comes to defending themselves and the people and things they care about from those who use force against them.
But when people get together in a group, they suddenly feel they aren't bound by the same standards. They somehow acquire rights beyond simple self defense. And history is littered with corpses as a result.
coercion is not necessary to cooperate, to have a society. coercion IS necessary to take advantage others. that does take the use of force. people don't seem to go along with being abused willingly.