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This is what happened in history, too—Europe's dominance on the world stage is obviously over, but serious thinkers have argued that it only came about at all because, rather than the monolithic empires of the East, the fractious and argumentative city states, and later actual states, of Europe were forced to compete through innovation. Marginally better armor could make the difference between having a whole shitload of chapels with Caravaggios in them and having to pay tribute like the short kid on the school bus. For all the darkness, for all the pain, this everlasting violence led to some pretty great things as well—but has it been worth it? The most troubling thought is, when I survey my empire after 5,000 years of wise guidance, and launch it into space in search of fresh worlds to dominate, it kind of does.So, Civilization shows us who we are. It may not be a pretty reflection, and we may not think of it as showing our best selves—but the everlasting conflict it presents us with is an accurate portrait of who, and what, we are. Now, one more turn—my enemies still draw breath.Follow Andrew Lowry on Twitter.On Motherboard: What Will World War III Look Like?