In this world of ours there's no greater burden than boredom. Without some stirring of passion, life becomes but drudgery. Provocation serves as a source of both excitement and amusement to the perpetrator. It only works its effects, though, when the other party reacts, to some extent, with anger, annoyance, or frustration. From earliest times, the main perpetrators of provocation have been idle lords incapable of empathy, simpletons with no mind for anything but their own gratification, and young men seeking outlet for pent-up ardor. In addition, provocation provides a convenient means of demonstrating ones ascendancy over another in no uncertain terms. One can also assert ascendancy through murder, maiming, or confinement, but these methods are best reserved for when murder, maiming, and confinement are the primary objective. Ascendancy, in these cases, is nothing more than a natural consequence of the acts involved. When a show of strength is desired, but with no intent to inflict great harm, provocation is the proper course of action. That being said, to substantiate one's superiority, in full and without doubt, some small degree of harm must necessarily be inflicted. Superiority played out in one's mind is no substition for superiority made manifest. Humans thrive on self-reliance. In fact, where self-reliance falls short it's desired all the more. And satisfactory validation of one's own self-reliance is only ever achieved through outward actions eliciting contrete response in others. Furthermore, it's the lowest of lowbrows, incapable of reason, along with the least self-reliant, and hence the most insecure, who tend to seek such validation. It's like the martial arts practitioner who needs on occasion to throw someone. The worst of them walk the streets with dangerous thoughts in their heads, intent on finding someone weaker, even just once, and even if only a layman, to fling about. There are other reasons for provocation, but for sake of brevity I'll stop here. Those wishing to hear more are welcome to come by. Bring a pack of dried bonito, and I'll happily talk at length.