"The fact is that violence gives you a rush"

Violence has a primal, visceral effect on human beings. Throughout millennia of evolution, humans have been both perpetrators and victims of violence, and the response it triggers is deeply wired into our biology. When Penn Jillette states that violence gives a rush, he is acknowledging the undeniable surge of adrenaline and heightened physical awareness that often accompanies violent acts, whether one is watching violence, engaging in it, or merely anticipating it. This rush is not just psychological; it is also biochemical. The brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins, chemicals associated with pleasure and reward, in situations involving risk and aggression.

Society often condemns violence while also being captivated by it. News stories, action movies, competitive sports, and video games all reflect a fascination with conflict and aggression. Audiences are drawn to stories where stakes are high and tensions threaten to erupt into violence because these narratives tap into something fundamental within human nature. That compulsion does not necessarily make individuals violent, but it illuminates a complex relationship with aggression. The excitement or "rush" stems from the temporary break from normality, the suspension of typical constraints, the confrontation with danger, which can make one feel more alive, alert, and powerful.

At the same time, this fact raises important ethical and societal questions. The pleasure derived from violent situations does not justify harm or cruelty, but it does help explain why, across all cultures and eras, people are drawn to danger, conflict, and even chaos. Understanding the underlying psychology helps in addressing the roots of violence in society, acknowledging that it is not merely a social problem but also tied to deep-seated aspects of the human psyche. Recognizing the existence of this "rush" can be the first step toward managing and redirecting it in ways that are both safe and constructive, harnessing intense energy for positive outcomes rather than destructive ones.