@Bitter Crank First of all, Squirrels are not depending on a well functioning civilisation to get their food (except for the university squirrels of course), nor do they have the capability to form a squirrel civilisation, however cool that might be. I would actually think that the squirrels would do much better than us. Because of their more simplistic nature of being, they just need acorns and trees to climb around in. No televisions, internet, or advanced infrastructure needed. I think part of the problem is that we are just so god damn advanced!
The difference between us and the squirrels is that the squirrels can just find another tree to get their acorns from, we can't just find another planet to get our food source from. We only have this planet, this civilisation. Either you are a part of it, or either you are a part of it.
Funny story of the university squirrels.
Now, what does humans do when they can't get food on the table by conventional means like getting a job for example. Compromise on their morality and rob a bank, or starve themselves to death with their morality and integrity still intact? Both things happen, i guess. Humans living under these low conditions have the potential to suddenly begin to start acting like the university squirrels. Looking in trash cans for alternative food sources, because we as a civilisation fail to ensure that everybody gets fed. This is why it is of utmost importance that we do our best to meet the basic needs of our people, it helps bring peace to the world.
A quote from a former Danish politician:
For two reasons, there will never be a revolution in Denmark. First and foremost, it's too much rain and you can not revolutionize under an omitted umbrella. Second, every turn to revolution must be over before dinner, because the Dane will not miss his hot dinner — Arne Melchior
Another way of saying that whenever the basic needs are met, and the people have food on the table. There is no need for war, destruction, or revolution. I just thought that would fit well with the talk we're having here
:D