The Paradox of Humanity
Civilized society is built on the underlying assumption that we are the pinnacle of life. That our needs are superior to those of a plant, or those of a cow. It seems quite silly, in fact, to contradict that stance. But where is the evidence? You could say it is because we are the most “powerful” creature on earth. But the lion is the apex of his food-chain, yet we, or he, wouldn’t consider his needs more dignified than that of a gazelle.
And let’s not forget, humans (homo sapiens) were around on earth long before we controlled it. The first evidence of civilization can be traced to Mesopotamia about 6,000 years ago. But there is evidence that homo sapiens were around 200,00 years ago. And our ancestors existed well before that. So why is it that we were able to co-exist with the rest of nature for so long? Why are we now “superior” when before we just were?
And why is it precisely that we think our lives are better now than they were before civilization? And why is it, for that matter, that we believe our lives are better than those who we deem “uncivilized”?
Aristotle said. “happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim, and end of human existence.” But there certainly is no evidence we are any happier today than we were 200,000 years ago. Hunter-gatherer communities led pretty good lives. Working hours were far less than 40 hours per week; they suffered from less malnutrition than peasants in early civilization, or in many parts of the world today, and they were socializing in nature for much of the day. They didn’t force themselves to work all night, stressing about a test, interview, job. or mortgage. And they likely didn’t worry at night pondering the meaning of existence. Or maybe they did…
But regardless, if that life is so much better than why did we leave it? Because on the other hand, it’s hard to argue that our lives have grown worse for wear. Our life expectancy is far longer today than at any time in homo sapiens history. We don’t have plague-infested rats killing everyone. We don’t have to worry about being chased by a lion. And our population is larger today than ever.
By this logic, then, life is not about happiness. Nor is it about transcendence, or kindness, or any other human-made concept. It is about survival. Our experience today is better because we survive better. We have longer lives and a larger population. If our primary purpose and society’s most significant advantage is survival, are we really different from a lion? Or a tree? Or any other living thing? Are we still the pinnacle of evolution or just another piece of the puzzle that is reality.
