> First, define civilization. A layer of systems built by organisms atop their natural biology, where new members of an species are inducted into those systems

> First, define civilization. A layer of systems built by organisms atop their natural biology, where new members of an species are inducted into those systems by “choice” and not biological requirements. Example: Bees and termites build nests, but that’s part of their natural biology: They can’t practically survive without it. Humans “choose” to build houses, but a human infant could survive and grow to adulthood without one, albeit with less convenience.