Although helping professionals may have a theoretical understanding of violence as the expression of an innate destructive or aggressive drive and as a reaction to frustration or humiliation, they rarely appreciate its positive appeal. This contribution elucidates the appeal of violence as in every way equivalent to that of sex. Illustrative historical, contemporary, and clinical material is offered. Culturally and clinically, the control of violent impulses must be approached in the same manner as the control of sexual impulses. Some examples of appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions are described.

Discharge into acts of violence is always accompanied by pleasure.… Societies may want to study and further understand the pleasure taken in these destructive acts.