Yee, we’re in the digital age! Scholars and historians celebrate it as the fourth industrial revolution, a period of boundless possibilities: space travel, teleportation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and almost miraculous breakthroughs in science. Some even believe we’re on the verge of immortality. People are freezing their bodies, hoping science will one day resurrect them, their souls teleported from hibernation into their thawed bodies for eternal life. Humanity’s faith in technological advancement is unshakeable. But while these achievements are undeniably fascinating, one can’t help but wonder—where are we really headed? Are we evolving into something greater, or are we regressing into a primitive state?
The Lion’s Motivation: Power and Dominance
Take a look at the lion, often hailed as the king of the beasts. Its sole ambition is clear: total and absolute dominance over its domain. A male lion exerts control over a pride, eliminates any potential threat, eats its fill, sleeps, and marks its territory. Its reign is defined by violence, eliminating not only rivals but even the cubs of a deposed king to ensure its lineage remains intact. There’s no real need for such aggression—there’s plenty of land and prey. Yet, the lion rules through conquest, just as many animals assert dominance for survival.
We observe these behaviours—hoarding by squirrels, snakes devouring other snakes, fish swallowing larger fish—and label them primitive. Why? Because we believe animals lack the advanced cognitive ability of humans. They live in the moment, ruled by survival instincts. But before we deem them primitive, perhaps we should examine ourselves.
Humans: A Higher Species or Just Primitives in Disguise?
We pride ourselves on being the most advanced species, and indeed, we’ve achieved wonders—building skyscrapers, travelling to space, and making medical strides that may one day grant us immortality. Yet, at our core, are we really that different from the untamed creatures we deem primitive?
Just like lions, we seek dominance, not to uplift but to oppress. We use any means necessary to stay in power. Consider men who have amassed wealth at the expense of millions, leaving others impoverished while they bask in luxury. They’re surrounded by those who, like lionesses in a pride, seek protection in exchange for loyalty. But where the lion’s dominance stems from nature, many humans act out of sheer cruelty, devoid of any moral compass. It’s not just about hoarding wealth or power. It’s also about how we interact with one another—marriages devoid of trust, rampant infidelity, violent relationships, and the breakdown of basic human decency. Have we really advanced? Or are we just more sophisticated animals hiding our primal urges behind a veneer of technology and progress?
The Rise of YOLO and the Decline of Accountability
The phrase “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) has become a cultural anthem, encouraging people to indulge in fleeting pleasures without a sense of responsibility. This mindset, though celebrated, is deeply troubling. It reflects an animalistic drive for self-satisfaction and dominance as if we’re accountable to no one but ourselves. It’s the philosophy of beasts—take what you can while you can. King Nebuchadnezzar, humbled by God for his arrogance, stands as a reminder that no matter how powerful we become, we are ultimately accountable for our actions. If we fail to recognise this, the world will become a jungle, ruled not by benevolent leaders, but by brutal tyrants like Scar from The Lion King, surrounded by a pack of hyenas.
The Next Generation: Educated Yet Lost
We send our children to school, spending vast sums of money to secure their futures. But what are they really learning? That the world is a brutal place where it’s kill or be killed? We’re cultivating a generation that prioritises personal gain over compassion. They’re taught to dominate, to put themselves first, to show no mercy. These are the foundational principles of a narcissist, and it’s no wonder the world feels like it’s burning.
The results of this misguided education are plain to see. We witness horrific crimes committed by young people, infidelity within marriages, and the breakdown of family structures. Relationships that should be sacred are violated, and acts of violence between partners are commonplace. Even the concepts of identity and partnership are crumbling—open marriages, swingers, multiple pronouns. In some cases, our behaviours are more abhorrent than those of the “primitive” animals we look down upon.
A Lesson from the Wild
Perhaps we can learn something from animals. Take the penguin, for example. When it loses a mate, it often chooses not to partner again, sometimes even committing suicide. The ant colony is another example—they’ve built intricate towers and road networks that rival our own, yet they maintain an extraordinary sense of community and self-awareness. They never abandon their dead, yet we, the “advanced” species, litter our streets with our own kind.
As we chase the next big technological breakthrough, we must pause and ask ourselves—are we really advancing? Or are we simply regressing into a more sophisticated form of primitiveness?
Reflecting on Our Existence
Every day, we see examples of human behaviour that reflect the worst of our nature. Politicians ride through cities in luxury, protected by their “hyenas,” while the masses starve. The wealthy hoard resources, much like the squirrels hoarding nuts. Meanwhile, we witness young people flaunting their “wealth,” driving £200,000 cars (which we know most cannot afford legitimately) while millions struggle to survive. Hotels waste food while countless people go hungry.
It’s time for introspection. We need to ask ourselves difficult questions about our existence. We need to examine our lives—perhaps even keep a journal to reflect on our actions. Yes, we only live once, but most religions teach that life on Earth is only the beginning. What happens next depends on how we live today.
The Next Time You See a Lion…
Next time you visit a zoo or go on a safari, take a moment when you see a lion pass by with its majestic mane. Don’t just admire its physical beauty—wonder what’s going through its mind. Perhaps, in that moment, it’s thinking: “These humans, they’re advancing… into primitiveness.”
Femi Ogunleye is the founder of The HUBU Team, the author of The HUBU Journals. He is passionate about restoring values, morals, and principles in the lives of people.
@thehubuteam
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