Are We Truly Civilized Or Just Better
The laws of the jungle and the laws of modern nations appear different on the surface.
But when we look deeper, the difference is not always as wide as we believe.
In the jungle, might is right. There are no written constitutions, no courts, no parliaments. Danger exists every moment. Life is uncertain. Yet animals adapt quickly. They live by instinct. There is no malice, no hypocrisy, no manipulation. They do not pretend.
Animals do not hoard beyond need.
They do not envy another’s success.
They do not wage wars for dominance.
They kill only to survive, not to conquer.
They live in rhythm with nature. There is discipline too. Migratory birds travel thousands of miles without conflict. Packs, herds, and colonies follow silent rules of order. No moral education — yet remarkable balance.
Human beings evolved over millions of years. We were gifted with intelligence, reasoning, imagination. But evolution is not complete. We are still a work in progress.
Because the same mind that can create poetry, medicine, and space technology… can also create destruction, division, and domination.
When thinking becomes ego-driven, humans become more dangerous than animals.
We built civilizations, laws, governments, and institutions. From outside, we look sophisticated. Educated. Polished. But inside, many instincts remain unchanged.
Jealousy, Hatred, Anger, Greed, Envy.
The urge to acquire what belongs to others.
The willingness to compromise values for convenience.
The race for power, status, control.
Our standard of living has improved.
But has our standard of character?
Politics, in principle, is meant to serve people. But in reality, power often becomes the priority. Personal agendas overpower collective good.
Geopolitics mirrors the same pattern on a global scale. Nations speak of peace, cooperation, and diplomacy… yet continue to interfere, dominate, control resources, and influence weaker countries. History shows how colonization devastated civilizations across Asia, Africa, and the Americas — & INDIA. Even today, powerful nations quietly practice modern forms of dominance.
The jungle still exists — only the language has changed.
We monitor our neighbour’s house more than we correct our own flaws.
We crave more despite abundance.
We remain restless even after progress.
Where, then, is conscience?
India’s ancient wisdom offered a different vision to the world:
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — The world is one family.
Not conquest, but coexistence
Not dominance, but harmony.
Not exploitation, but balance.
This philosophy teaches that humanity is not defined by borders, power, or wealth — but by compassion, restraint, and responsibility.
Perhaps true evolution is not technological.
Perhaps it is moral.
Civilizations rise not by force, but by values. And if we choose conscience over convenience, character over control, and unity over dominance — we may still evolve into the humanity we claim to be.