I've arrived at the opinion that civilization is a trap. It's a powerful, two-edged sword that opens new paths to enlightenment, increases intelligence and technology, but at the same time, slashes, and clears nature and the natural state of man aside to make way for "progress" and ongoing advancements in all we can consume and learn. Man bears all the earmarks of a cultivated species, which increases intelligence and complexity of thought and capability above the natural wild state. However, in the process, we lose instinctive basic survival skills and knowledge forever when we take up life in cities and civilizations. This knowledge vanishes in just one generation.
At the same time, civilization promotes the grooming and increase of intelligence as we can devote time to it without having to eke out our survival in the wilderness as in ancient times. But at what expense? All our ancient doors to natural and healthy ways of life are now closed forever behind us as we move forward.