You also accept that when you step onto that road, there is no glass ceiling. Any time you are on the road, you run the risk of a situation going the distance. In effect, stepping onto that road is playing Russian roulette. This serves as a serious deterrent for capriciously using verbal, emotional or physical violence. If you are not willing to kill or be killed over the issue, don't step onto this road.
Physical violence is a horrible experience.
Once you have participated in it, you will never want to go back. No matter what, win, lose or draw, there is a cost. Sometimes however, it is necessary. The cost of not protecting yourself is greater, not only to you, but to your loved ones as well. The lower levels of the pyramid can go to great lengths to keep you from having to use physical force.