"If you attack, I will defend... I think that is purdy much human nature..."

True. It is also the essential problem in human relations, right from the level of individuals up to nations or ethnic groups.

Someone has to not retaliate for the last attack before peace can be established.

And that is why Jesus, Gandhi, Buddha, and others like them placed so much emphasis on concepts of forgiveness, turning the other cheek, etc.

It's not easy. I think it is the greatest challenge of all...much tougher than retaliating, fighting, and seeking that elusive "final victory" that usually cannot be found.

Similarly, resisting the natural impulse to get in the last word is something most people (and dogs) are virtually incapable of, and this forum is spectacular proof of that! ;-)

The hostile and unforgiving will sometimes, of course, simply walk out in a huff, thus terminating the conversation as far as their part in it goes. But even when they do they presently reappear and resume the quarrel in some entirely different thread.)

It's as pervasive as celebrity worship.