I consider debating is a specific activity for humankind.
When you enter a room, you start debating. Rarely do you avoid conflict 100%.
On another hand, you see a conflict, you tend to avoid it. You go into a room with 150 bad boys (Carlsberg stunts with bikers in cinema – YouTube), you want to avoid the situation.
Generally, though, people tend to go into a fight. You enter the room, you say hello, you say something else, and if you’re completely silent, you feel pressure.
Some animals would prefer avoiding the situation altogether.
What makes us humans, as a conclusion? The decision not to run, to debate, to go into conflict, to expose yourself.
It’s a lot of courage and a feeling of vulnerability.
A Ship in Harbor Is Safe, But that Is Not What Ships Are Built For – Quote Investigator
People have the courage to go out of the harbor.
And if it’s a storm, sometimes to go right through it.
Coming back to debating – it’s both a humility („I’ll listen to you, I’ll treasure your arguments, I’ll enjoy allowing you to express yourself”), and a power („I’ll confront you, I’ll stand my ground, I’ll say what I have to say”).
This makes us humans!
