Death by tribal territorial dispute could also be considered "meaningless", because civilized diplomacy could have offered an alternative solution for a greater net gain, allowing you to continue living and contribute more to the world. Either way, nothing has inherent meaning - life is what you make of it. We live in a time where a single person can create and acheive more in a lifetime than in any other point in history, and you can create pretty much whatever lifestyle you want for yourself. Before civilization there was no choice.
I also think that just because we have this evolutionary baggage of innate violence doesn't mean we should be slaves to it. Our species is unique in that our cultural/technological evolution has superseded our biological evolution. That said, I do think we are all less happy because many people haven't found their modern-day "tribe" yet, and all of our technological/cultural achievements have brought us to a point where tribes aren't a practical necessity, but they still remain an emotional necessity.
Great points.
I think this is just something in us, especially men.
I think the good thing about civilisation is the creativity, art, expressions it brings. With high amount of violence you need to watch your back 24/7. This stops creativity and exploring different concepts.
But violence feels good. Just like sex feels good. There is a reason why you feel good after fighting someone. It is promoted by your brain through feel good chemicals.
Even in civilisation there is threat of violence by government. Otherwise people would not do what they want. They have monopoly on violence. Is this good or not? I do not know. Violence is the end answer, even in civilisation. If you do not listen you get punished. And it is enforced mostly by men.
Civilisation has good things and bad things.
I think it is bad for masculinity. There is a reason why a lot of men are unfulfilled and unhappy. We feel worthless. We are used as worker drones for soulless companies. Slaves for men in power and even women. You can chase money and I think it is the best option. But it is still a game made by this civilisation. You are still playing by the rules.
In a small tribe you would always have worth and meaning, for your particular tribe. Whatever virtues they have. Because they need you. You are accountable to a small group. Which is what the human brain is made for. Civilisation does not need me particularly. They have millions of other worker drone on standby (people in college, students, young men). You can con your way through the world and no one will catch you. This means that virtues are not important anymore. Because you can con the world if you just keep moving around. In a tribe you cannot do this.
Normally if a man wanted women he would simply take them by VIOLENCE. Plunder, loot the village and take their women. That is power.
Now you need to play the game of looking a certain way, acting a certain way and maybe, just maybe you get some pussy. Or she will choose you based on the stuff (money) you have.
I want to choose which women I have. Not the other way around. If she does not want to, too bad, I am stronger than them, they will have to listen.
I do not want to play by the rules. But I also see that not playing by the rules will land me in prison/jail.
Men in older age might have lived shorter but God damn they probably felt more alive than most of us.
For women civilisation is great. They have protection. They and their children are supported. They can choose a mate that they think is most desirable. Etc. Women will never give up society. It is always men that will start disrupting the order. Women will never say "society sucks". Because most of them get a good deal out of it. Protection and security is very important for women.
