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The Noyau and Territorial Aggression

…The What?

The word “noyau” may be as unfamiliar to you now as it was to me a mere six months ago, but once we understand the word and its wider meaning, we begin to recognize its explanatory importance in both global/local matters and in conflict resolution. Before we get to the definition of the concept, let’s first ponder this quote (keep this in the back of your mind as you read through this article):

Antagonism must have some value to living things: why otherwise would evolution have tolerated so much of it?

The Territorial Imperative

In 1944 a German ornithologist by the name of Dieter Burckhardt offered up the observation that each species of bird seemed to have an “individual distance.” That is, a territorial divide within a larger shared territory.

A beach seemingly crowded willy-nilly with swarming emperor penguins is actually adhering to species-specific rules regarding nest positioning and the permitted distance between individuals; what appears to the human eye as nothing more than crowded chaos actually follows a set of unwritten rules that direct avian society.

“Individual distances” vary from species to species, from tight quarters for some nesting shore birds to miles between for nesting/hunting territories for birds of prey.

Let’s also observe that it is not only birds that obey the “individual distance” rule. We see reptiles, amphibians, and, of course, mammals all staking out nesting and territorial distances, and what is intriguing about all of these is that each individual species seems to have an upper limit of toleration. Meaning that specific distances between nests/dens/homes must be observed and…there is also an upper limit as to how many of the same species will be permitted within a given hunting range.

Emperor Penguins

For emperor penguins, there is an instinctually defined distance between nests, but there is also a somewhat static limit as to how many emperor penguins overall will be tolerated on a given beach.

The permitted/allowable/tolerated load of species in a given range is the noyau. It can be loosely defined in human terms as a neighborhood. Once this upper-limit has been defined, a curious thing occurs. Within the noyau we may witness numerous individual spats and territorial signaling. While these can take on an aggressive tone at times, they are for mostly non-violent– more noise than actual physical encounter.

Now, let’s say members from another noyau (we’ll stay consistent and say visiting emperor penguins from the other side of the island) arrive and attempt to stake out nesting sites on this beach, something mighty interesting occurs. Even if the out-noyau penguins obey proper nesting distance rules, they are subject to aggressive confrontation by the original noyau birds. These confrontations can turn physical and we often see birds that had spatted within the noyau (and they very well may do so again tomorrow) join forces to expel this “threat” to the noyau.

Mighty familiar, huh?

Humans, being animals with our own complex noyaus, seem subject to similar population pressures. We can live peacefully in neighborhoods, but allow one neighbor to start parking his car in our spot, or to let his grass grow too high, or some other such thing that seems trivial to an outsider, and it is taken very seriously by those inside the noyau, similarly to how penguins take nesting distances seriously.

Just as with the penguins, these petty slights seldom turn violent within the neighborhood, but neither do they go unnoticed and rarely do they go without remark. Penguins squawk, humans bitch and litigate.

Neighborhood Dynamics

Now, for a thought experiment, let’s picture a neighborhood with all of its concomitant petty gossip, tiny “They leave their Christmas lights up too long” beeves, and picture another neighborhood two blocks away. For some reason they decide to show up in the original neighborhood to seize a portion of the playground.

Once this happens, just as with the penguin noyau, humans in the “invaded” neighborhood shed the petty grievances and unite as a veritable unit to repel the invaders, whether it be with physical action or community petitions and appearances at the local city council meeting.

In a nutshell, the noyau concept states that within a noyau, individual species will be subject to petty aggressive acts that are rarely more than territorial signaling. But anything outside of the noyau that threatens the whole of the noyau is a spur to form a unified front.

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After The Threat

Terrible events like Pearl Harbor, 9/11, the Paris Attacks, and natural disasters make us all one. At least temporarily. Once the initial threat has been averted or placed in the rear view mirror of time, we separate into noyaus yet again and get back to passive-aggressive toleration of one another.

Let’s recall the opening observation from Robert Ardrey: “Antagonism must have some value to living things: why otherwise would evolution have tolerated so much of it?”

Chances are, this antagonistic streak in surviving species indicates that a certain amount of combativeness is necessary to protect the self, the brood, the noyau. In times of actual strife this penchant for aggression is a boon, but when times are easy—as it is for most of us 21st century pampered gods—this antagonistic streak does not bode well for good cheer and contentment.

If it is an instinctual part of our being it will never be quite tamed, nor would we want to tame it as it is a necessary spur to action when the chips are truly down.

Resisting Petty Antagonisms

I think we can all agree that petty antagonisms that intrude into daily lives (or “micro-aggressions”) that have no real world import do not add to the quality of life. We may never quite kick this superficial “Hey, I saw that parking spot first!” behavior to the curb as it is part of our make-up, but perhaps an awareness of why it’s there in the first place can allow us to stand down just a bit in some cases.

When we feel that twinge to bark over what is essentially a nothing “offense”, we might call to mind “Oh, I was getting ready to squawk loudly like a territorial penguin at someone I consider to be an OK human being for the most part. Perhaps I should take a breath here.”

Our inborn antagonism is and was meant for actual threats and not to continually intrude into daily bland life, but it does. Knowledge of how the noyau works can also allow us to reason through how some real world confrontations might go down.

The Noyau Bolsters Defenses

Animals that defend their noyau almost invariably fight more aggressively and successfully than invaders. This biological observation is important. It’s easy to imagine that we would fight harder to repel an invasion on our shores than one across the pond. Food for foreign policy thought.

The more distant from the noyau a species travels, the less investment we see. If I were a penguin (or a human) I would fight hard to protect my nest and I would come to the aid of my neighbor and fight hard (but perhaps without the same investment as for my own nest) to help him defend his nest, but the guy’s nest who lives in Saskatchewan, well, he’s on his own. Sorry, Saskatchewan guy.

The noyau concept says we will defend our own nest to the utmost of our ability. It also says that we might be full of petty gripes about those in our noyau but when the chips are down we will unite to repel a threat.

It also suggests that if we are the aggressor for some reason, the further we can lure the target from their home territory, the less defensive-alacrity we may see in the confrontation.

Tangible VS Abstract Noyaus

The problem with humans is that we also allow abstract ideas to become noyaus. Some of us will defend the home and an abstract noun with the same fervor — it all depends on how much we have allowed the idea/ideal to become a part of our “identities.”

In the concrete world such things as “honor”, “patriotism”, “the best chili ever!” simply do not exist except as constructs in our minds. And yet, these concepts and many other non-concrete “things” do settle into human skulls and can raise ire as much as an actual brick through a front window.

With the human penchant for creating noyaus out of abstracts in mind, it is wise for the individual who is interested in self-protection to be aware that the same proximity calibration takes place in the abstract world as in the physical. The closer we come to invading/encroaching on the abstract noyau the more resistance we can expect to encounter.

I may simply decide to make no comment on your prized “Star Wars” t-shirt, or offer a low-key “It’s not my thing, glad you like it”, and so far so good. But if I trip into “That shirt looks like s### and Star Wars is for losers” well, then it just might be on.

Final Thoughts

Penguins and humans, we’re not so different. We can’t consciously change our response to noyau encroachment, but with a bit of self-knowledge we might mitigate it when we are in meaningless spats and save up some of that survival energy for real-world threats, and at the very least get a handle on why this species can be so damn touchy at times.

The truth, it seems, is that we have evolved to be that way. A buncha crowded penguins on a noisy beach squatting over our nests for dear life.

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129 thoughts on “The Noyau and Territorial Aggression”

  2. Thanks to Mark and everyone else involved I can’t get enough of this you guys are great.

    Reply

  3. It seems to me that, education is the most powerful weapon we have for dealing with this phenomenon. This also seems to be true, regardless of race. Unlike the wild animals, we humans do have the ability to REASON. With more education, we are better equipped to use reasoning.
    When I say education, I mean, basic education. Such as reading, writing, and arithmetics. In today’s world, the less education a person has, the harder it will be to bring home income. This is what drives crimes such as muggings, robberies, home invasions, and arguably, all crime.
    Therefore, it seems to me that, if parents would invest more time in their children’s education, the better the next generation would be with living within their Noyau.
    Thank you for the education!

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  4. Hi , thanks for all I see from you. I am on social security so can’t buy much. but thanks for I can get.

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  5. Going along with the “neighborhood,” construct there are numerous studies – both of animals & humans – that clearly show a relationship with population density and aggression. There appears to be an un-stated rule about the number of a given species allowed/accepted into a given amount of space. When, in the US, we began to build massive low-income housing projects in our cities we forced the inhabitants to exist in an amount of space that far exceeded the acceptable rule. Violence spiked and remains the most likely location for violence to occur to this day. Further studies showed that human beings generally require “X,” amount of square feet per person and having a smaller amount sets the stage for negative behavior. Interestingly, that amount of foot space is not universal. Residents of New Delhi, India, for example function within far fewer square feet per person when compared to Boston or NYC. Another statistic reflecting this same idea is: In the USA, crime per-capita is lower in rural areas than in urban areas for a variety of reasons only one of which is population density.

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  6. I find that the information you provide is the best. I have found that some of what you give us is information I might already have you you guys tie it into groups or with others in a way that makes the whole thing make sense for me. I read every article and save most of them. I really apreciate the information you provide. You guys have the best articles I recieve. Thank you, please keep up the good work.

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  7. A valid thesis and construct. Too bad the laws do not recognize these necessary interactions among humans. A few broken heads could go a long way toward safer neighborhoods ,or in a bigger scale, nations.

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  9. Martial artist have been using animals and it moves for Century a penguin is small circle close combat always use the other weakness for your benefit for your self preservation have a great day

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  10. The concept of evolution is the only “abstract,” “construct of our mind.” Were this a philosophical blog, I would deal with the concept. For now, I will leave it at this. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

    Reply

  11. I find also, the older I get in life, the more aware I have become of my surroundings knowing I have apparent weaknesses I never had before. I also find myself reaching out to know my neighbors more than before to network. I WANT my neighbors to know me! It is to some extant I believe in self-protection.
    I really enjoy your articles. I look forward to more training using a cane for instance. They can be so very helpful and because of the harmless appearance a very helpful tool in self-defence. Thanks for all of your hard work. It is helping. We “good people” need all the knowledge and help we can get in this world today.

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  13. You bring us a most illuminating perspective, Mark. I don’t recall having read any of Robert Ardrey’s works, but after your interesting introduction to this wise American playwright, screenwriter and science writer, I plan to learn more about him.

    Another timely quote from Ardrey addresses the current tension between North Korea and the US–
    “What we call patriotism, in other words, is a calculable force which,
    released by a predictable situation, will animate man in a manner
    no different from other territorial species.”
    ― Robert Ardrey, The Territorial Imperative: A Personal Inquiry
    Into the Animal Origins of Property and Nations

    Thank You for a very helpful blog post.

    Reply

  14. Hi guys, great article, it really opened my eye”s to a lot of and is very thought provoking. Funny how we will defend our thoughts, beliefs and ideas as much as our actual physical surroundings etc. Great one guys. Keep up the great work. Thabks kindly.

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  15. True. Very interestingly put with the Penguin analogy. I watched a documentary on the Penguin but, I never made the connection to neighborhoods. Thanks.

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  20. Thanks for all the info and articles. I find it all interesting and stimulating, and for sure I don’t know where else I would find this stuff. Very much appreciated.

    Reply

  21. Great insight. I found this article particularly interesting, as I am an Air Force Veteran and have seen penguins in Antarctica. Humans really can learn alot from animals, and we should be mindful of these important realities! Thank you for the insight!

    Respectfully,
    Joshua J. Couts
    Hot List Member

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  23. THANKS MARK!!! VERY INFORMATIVE AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!! I FOUND IT TO BE TRUE IN MY EXPERIENCE. I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE ARTICLES AND SELF DEFENSE INSTRUCTION!!! THAT’S WHY I’M A HOT LIST MEMBER!!! THANKS TO YOU ALL!!!

    Reply

  25. I hadn’t thought of animals as teachers, but it makes perfect sense. A cat won’t impose on another if it’s sleeping. A dog will defend you to the death.

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  27. Interesting. I’m living through the strife of the Catalan Indepence bid and noyau just about sums it up. I am now more resolved to sit this one out- unless they come calling…

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  28. There is so much we can learn from nature. Indigenous peoples around the world have survived in conditions that “modern” man would perish in. Our Creator, in the Bible, has constantly given us lessons from nature, that we would be wise to observe. If more of us could learn to work in harmony with the natural world, instead of just pillaging what resources we can from it, then we would find an incredible balance that can be beneficial to both man and creation.

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  29. Thank you for article and the reminder that so many lessons can be right in front of us without our realizing it or connecting the dots. While Man was created far superior to the animal world, we dare not discount what we can learn or be reminded of! If we lived in a perfect world we would still live in Eden.

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  31. That’s why I don’t understand the American 1st or 2nd amendment (forget) which allows every American to own 50 guns and then people wonder why more people get killed in the States in 5 years than in the whole Vietnam war. To me, something seems out of whack. And everyone accepts it as being legitimate although most of the killings are done in the same neighborhoods. 85% of all rapes in the US are committed by not by strangers but by neighbors. How does a a country stand for that ? I have no clue and it makes no sense. Everybody gets paranoid.

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  35. Thanks for that, Mark. Very interesting and enjoyable article. One thing that comes to mind is the speech made by President Ronald Reagan to the United Nations where he speculated that although nations involve themselves in conflict throughout the world, in the event, however unlikely, that the planet was ever threatened by an Alien foe, the warring nations would unite to repel the threat. President Reagan had his critics, but regardless of whether one believes that there may be life on other planets, what he said back in the 1980’s, to the surprise of many who attended that United Nations meeting, is consistent with the content and sentiment of Mark’s well constructed article. Pleasure to read it.

    Reply

  37. Thnx very good segmant always interesting to read ..learning a great deal from all …hopeing wont have to use alot of it …but darn ready if need be ..

    Reply

  39. As usual, FIGHTFAST comes up with interesting materials. I truly enjoy being part of the “noyau” of the hotlist members. In the French language, a “noyau” also means the core of something or a seed, usually a large one like a peach has, or a concentration of something or like alluded in the article, a grouping of the same specie . Thank you for your educational materials.

    Reply

  40. Thank you.o
    Very much .it is.opening eyes more plus i like to fight to .haha.
    I’m going buy me that card. Call green dot. So can pay for shipping & handleing .oo well I’m sleepy ((you are a bad ass fast fighter i would like to shake your some day .take care over and out .

    Reply

  43. Good thoughts!
    It gets a little murky when we analyze world wars; “We’re coming, Saskatchewan guy!”

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  44. Informative article Mark! …and some interesting following comments from readers as well.
    I’ve observed over the years that much of the day to day bickering that sometimes escalates to serious confrontation is unique to humans in that some fail to recognize the difference between a Problem and an Inconvenience. I still believe that a requirement of two years of active duty military service for all citizens would help many to overcome the deficiency.

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  45. It could have worked for the Native-American-Indians if their warfare and weapons weren’t so primitive in comparison to the invading Europeans; Furthermore, the Noyau Territorial Aggression could’ve been very effective and successful if the Native-Americans weren’t divided and undergoing Tribal Warfare which was the leverage of the invading Europeans which eventually made them play and manipulate these different tribes to fight each other – which is added insult to injury – because they weren’t united just like that Sakatchewan story. Noyau could be equally effective and successful if the overall people who live in this community to be defended – are united and not divided.

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  47. As a Security Officer I see people loose their shit over the smallest things & carry on like fools but most if confronted will mouth off then walk away. But you always have to be ready for violence. As some people want to put their hands up & fight especially if they have friends with them . Always be on your guard & never turn your back on them

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  49. A comment from William states that education is the most powerful weapon. I couldn’t agree more. Knowledge is Power

    Reply