To me these sound more like complaining that modern activities do not satisfy ancient human instincts well (mixed with legitimate criticism of paperclip-optimiz

To me these sound more like complaining that modern activities do not satisfy ancient human instincts well (mixed with legitimate criticism of paperclip-optimizing). Humanity is making something new with its whole way of life, figuring it out as it goes, so of course the old things don't fit, and we can't yet change them. Ted did go off to live in the woods, the ancient natural environment, so I shouldn't be surprised.