This quote challenges the idealistic notion that human society and civilization have fundamentally elevated us beyond our primal nature. It suggests that, beneath the veneer of laws, ethics, and cultural achievements, our underlying impulses remain unchanged. The idea that civilization is a myth implies that societal constructs are, to some degree, superficial or temporary, masking the persistent presence of primal instincts like greed, violence, and self-interest. When we examine history and contemporary life, patterns emerge that support this view. Wars, conflicts, corruption, and acts of cruelty seem to confirm that our most basic instincts remain potent drivers of human behavior. The quote invites us to reflect on our true nature and question whether progress in moral and ethical domains is more surface-level than fundamental. It implies a certain skepticism toward the perfectibility of humanity and the durability of social advancements. Recognizing these truths might foster humility and a sense of vigilance about our capacity for both good and evil. It also raises important ethical questions about how societies can or should manage innate tendencies that threaten social cohesion. Ultimately, embracing this perspective does not necessarily mean despair, but rather an understanding that human nature is complex and persistent, requiring constant effort and awareness to nurture the better angels of our nature amidst the darker ones.