The Thin Veneer of Civilization and Modern Implications

The phrase ldquo;How thin is the veneer of civilizationrdquo; encapsulates the inherent fragility of our societal constructs. To understand this, we must delve into the historical context, psychological perspectives, sociological insights, and philosophical considerations that underpin the robustness and potential collapse of civilization.

Historical Context

Throughout history, there have been instances where societal structures have collapsed or been challenged, such as during wars, economic crises, or pandemics. These events often expose primal human instincts such as aggression, survival, and competition. For example, during the Black Death in the 14th century, societal norms were quickly disregarded, leading to chaos and the breakdown of hierarchical structures.

Psychological Perspective

Psychologists like Sigmund Freud and contemporary theorists have discussed how civilization imposes constraints on our basic instincts. These constraints are often in place to ensure social order and well-being. When these constraints are removed or weakened, such as in times of stress or chaos, individuals may revert to more primal behaviors. This phenomenon is well-documented in historical instances like the looting and lawlessness that often accompany wars and natural disasters.

Sociological Insights

Sociologists examine how social order is maintained through norms and laws. When these are threatened, such as during civil unrest or natural disasters, the fragility of societal order can become evident. For instance, during the Great Fire of London in 1666, the city’s social infrastructure was heavily disrupted, leading to a breakdown in the sense of order that had previously been maintained.

Philosophical Considerations

Philosophers like Thomas Hobbes argued that humans are naturally in a state of conflict, and that civilization is a construct to manage these tendencies. In contrast, Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that humans are inherently good, and that society corrupts them. Both perspectives highlight the delicate balance that civilization maintains.

The Modern Implications of the Thin Veneer

It is seemingly very thin. As early as the 19th century, it was said that civilization was one famine away from starvation. Agriculture, which is the seemingly most important development in human history, allowed people to settle and think and invent during more peaceful times. However, when faced with significant challenges like famine or disease, societal structures can quickly break down.

Different cultures have different semblances of civilization, but in many cases, extreme poverty and hardship can lead to calls for revolution and civil war. People do not care about these issues until they can no longer get food and water. Take away that and you’ll have a new government in the morning. Disorder will erupt, and the most savage of people will usually climb their way to the top if left unchecked by the good people who will not prey on people. Often such predatory gangs will supply impoverished people with food and water for loyalty or hoard the food to sell to the impoverished for their own profit and protection fees. This is largely how the “uncivilized” parts of Africa and parts of Latin America operate, with the rampant drug cartels often having more power and influence than the local governments.

Even in modern times, the thin veneer of civilization is on display during events like the financial crisis of 2008-2011 in Greece and Cyprus. When their economies threatened to bring down the Euro system, people had such large fears that their money would be worthless and of large required taxes that they weren’t willing to pay. They began to clean out their bank accounts, collapsing the banking system and threatening a hyperinflationary event.

During the current global pandemic, COVID-19, people are beginning to devolve into the base savagery of humanity. Wrapped up in feelings of government abuses of power and accusations of lies and cover-ups, people are fearful of complete and prolonged shortages, losing their jobs, and losing their sanity. Domestic abuse is on the rise, and police have increased their patrols to ensure looting isn’t occurring after people began looting shuttered up businesses. This phenomenon is similar to other countries whose political systems might be more corrupt than America’s.

Civilization is in some ways a myth. People who are happy and have what they need are generally nice to each other. There will be those few savages who crave power, control, and desire to force society to share their visions of how the world should be by the edge of the knife or the barrel of the gun. However, they are kept in check by those good guys who work to ensure the authoritarians don’t win. Take away the accessibility of cash, food, or means of income, and all savagery breaks out.

The thin veneer of civilization is as thin as the accessibility of cash, food, and fears over widespread disease. It is summed up best by Conan the Barbarian’s monologue in the beginning part of Wayne, Episode 10.

“I am a barbarian. I am out of place in this technological civilization. My people are gone. They are dead. I am alone. But I know what I must do. I am the Destined One, the angel of death amid a world of light. I will cleanse the world of the blight of technology. I will make it as it was when I was born. I will bring back the time of the stone and the flesh.”

In essence, the thin veneer of civilization is a reflection of the inherent conflicts and challenges that humanity faces. Understanding this can help us appreciate the significance of our societal constructs and the need to reinforce them in times of stress and chaos.