From the beginning of time, there has been a pervasive interest in getting some members of the human race to conform to the wishes of other members of the human race. The use of positive as well as not so positive methods have been utilized, researched and espoused upon. The current paper presents a review of the vast literature on the history of aversive intervention. Aversive intervention is defined and deeply explored. This paper examines the course of such treatment through human history and ends with a provocative reflection that delves into some of the mysteries surrounding this topic.