Quote Originally Posted by Nessus View Post
Life, a cyclical process of construction, is about making ordered structures. But, due to thermo-dynamical realities, it needs energy for it. Where does it get energy? Other ordered structures, other life forms. We must consume other life to exist ourselves, a basic truth. In a larger scheme, all fauna is parasitical to the flora.
And directly from the sun. It all comes from the sun, don't forget. And, as a side, we will soon or later be able to get even our food energy directly from the sun - just synthesize food instead of paracitize the biosphere.
(I am omitting the life-forms at the bottom of the oceans who feed on geo-thermal energy from this analysis as they do not really contribute to our biosphere)
It works the same way down there - just substitute the sun for geothermal vents. Or vice versa.

Therefore, the need to destruct is instinct. We must rip things from trees and butcher other breathing creatures.
But come on - harvesting a cow or wheat is destruction? We breed them, care for them, keep their species alive too. Better than they would be if left wild. With understanding, we nurture each other. Its behavioral symbiosis.

So this need fuels behaviour. We wish to ensure we can satiate it. We create towards that goal. Even cathedrals were built, after all, due to the need for societal power, and thus resources, for the shamans.
The need is for energy and the goal is continued existance, short and long term. No doubt. But I think its a stretch to label all our activities to further that goal destruction.