May 20, 2011
Essentially, I think we all need suffering so we have some problems to solve. To some extent, we need disagreement and oppression so we have something to unite us. Our social condition is way too complex to allow for a unanimous world view, so as the environmental pressures that would allow us to evolve as a species come more under our control, we need to seek out other challenges in order to continue our progression.
Now, however, I think our evolution is going to be more intellectual rather than physical. And because of this, perhaps one day we will be able to grow as people, without strife. But for now, personal and sociological challenge is what keeps us improving as people and as a civilization. Without this constant pressure, wouldn’t we atrophy?