Originally Posted by Libertine

Oh, but the human race isn't failing. War, hunger, death, strife, etc. all serve to weed out the weaker political systems, religions and economic systems. This is cultural evolution at its best - mindless systems fighting eachother and adapting to both their opponents as well as the ever-changing social, cultural and technological context.

In a way, war, the market and ideologies are the driving force behind cultural evolution. Sure, millions may die terrible deaths, but the "fittest" systems survive, spread their ideas and practices, and get the chance to evolve further. The "democratic, secular, capitalist" system, for example, has faced all sorts of challenges (communism, fascism, dictatorship) and came out on top so far. Right now, it is being challenged by religious fundamentalism, which is proving to be quite the adversary - for every battle it loses, it gains a thousand new supporters.

Eventually, the current system will either be overthrown or will change entirely. The system following it may or may not be a pleasant environment for those who live in it, but that does not matter. What counts in terms of cultural evolution is which system is the strongest.

Humanity, of course, could end this pointless process, but in order to do that it would have to give up the wars, strife and hatred it loves so much.