It was a truism that all civilizations were basically neurotic until they made contact with everybody else and found their place within the ever-changing meta-civilisation of other beings, because, until then, during the stage when they honestly believed they might be entirely alone in existence, all solo societies were possessed of both an inflated sense of their own importance and a kind of existential terror at the sheer scale and apparent emptiness of the universe.
The quote reflects on the nature of civilizations and their psychological states. It suggests that civilizations tend to be neurotic, struggling with feelings of self-importance while simultaneously experiencing anxiety about their isolation in the vastness of the universe. This dichotomy arises during periods when they believe they are the only intelligent beings, leading to heightened existential fears.
However, the narrative posits that interaction with other civilizations can alleviate these feelings. Once societies connect with others, they often find reassurance in their place within a broader, dynamic meta-civilization. This contact helps civilizations develop a more balanced perspective, reducing their inflated sense of significance and alleviating the existential dread tied to solitude.
