The mind is an impressive machine capable of both dreams and horrible nightmares. What determines the one from the other? If a philosophical approach is taken, the mind will be exercised how to think and not coerced into what to think by weaker people seeking dominance.
There is plenty of suffering in the world. We all feel it no matter who we are and where we are. If we decide to make life better for all things, it will also come back to ourselves and our lives will be more meaningful and pleasurable.
The world is spirraling down a bottomless pit where our resources, both material and human, is being depleted. To turn this around, we must chose to give back to the world more than we take away from it.
Violent people have themselves been victims of violence, particularly in their childhood. Though it will be extremely difficult and ungrateful work, we must always show these people that there is also understanding and love for them if they want it.
Reward and punishment leads to obedience to any set of ideals put forth by someone. No person is ever motivated by theses mechanisms. Instead, you are driven by acceptance, recognition, goodness and the way you think.