One way to avoid suffering violence is to pay the State some taxes to fund a police force and military. That force usually depends on the ultimate threat of violence to do its job. We’re proud of these potentially violent people, celebrate their victories and mourn their defeats. We may also choose to associate with people who we believe are strong enough to protect us. Or in some cultures, carry weapons or own a "fighting" dog. Essentially we manage the risk of being a victim of violence by keeping our own supply of violence at hand. These are two edged swords though – the police, military, dogs, etc. sometimes turn on us. Of course, these "risk management" decisions are rarely carefully thought out - they are more likely to be unconscious and emotional in nature. A possibly related phenomenon is Hybristophilia - sexual attraction to violent criminals. In the political sphere consider, Stalin - arguably the most violent Russian leader but "A surve...