Why do soldiers and warriors go into battle when the risk is great but the chance of tangible reward small? The science of social evolution provides the answer. The social group is necessary for survival, but it can be a place of competition and turmoil. In this environment an intangible asset, social status, is extremely important to fitness, especially for males. By waging war on rival groups a man can enhance his social status within his own group, and thereby boost his fitness.Social evolution can answer many other questions about human behavior, such as: Why do people get fighting mad over insults?Why do people believe in gods and magic?Why does religion so often lead to warfare?