The nature of human beings is to struggle with one another. Brothers, and metaphorically all mankind are brothers, are constantly jealous and arrogant toward one another. This can lead to violence; murder, war, and all the evils of mankind. The archetype of enmity between brothers appears again and again in many cultures because human beings are unable to get along.

             This archetype of enmity between brothers appears most prominently in the ancient Hebrews story of Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve, the first humans of earth. Abel is a shepherd who offers his best cattle to the Lord. Cain makes the offering of fruits and vegetables. God, who offers no explanation, chooses Abel"s offering. Cain slays his brother Abel out of jealousy. The stored anger that Cain felt led to his doing a terrible thing-killing his own brother. Everybody was against Cain because of his offering. That is certainly not the case. The Hebrew story lacks a viable reason for Abel"s offering being chosen above Cain"s. God just accepts Abel"s offering not specifying why. This miscommunication leads to the death of Abel. Cain and Abel, the first brothers ever, set the standard for violent behavior between brothers and metaphorically all brothers of mankind. This passage from the Bible portrays God speaking to Cain: If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

             (Gen. 11).

             God speaks lovely words of wisdom. If you do well and treat others as you wish to be treated, you will inevitably prosper. But if you fail at doing well, your life will be only one of misery. As the older brother, Cain is faced with the ultimate challenge. If he doesn"t do anything his own fate will be waiting. If he does something he can either meet his fate or reach a destiny to shine after Abel is dead. So, mathematically speaking he ha a better chance of prospering by killing Abel.