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Grand theories about "human nature" need careful examination.
It seems to me from what I can read about "traditional" societies (which I guess means "pre-industrial") people don't seem to have to prove their worth. In fact, that is largely a Calvinist idea, designed to discover who was "saved", but easily distorted into creating a consumer society to demonstrate "worth" and by extension, "salvation" through consumption.
Eric Hoffer is probably right about Western Europe and North America since the 18th century. I'm not sure if it generalizes.
Lots of people really like to stay home and fix up their places -- even now.
What you have read about traditional societies seems to be at variance with that which I have read.
Their need to prove their worth is articulated in their initiation rites, for a start.
Those who did not cut the mustard had a short life expectancy probably and a miserable life certainly.
Well, true enough for the children. Once they have been admitted to adult society, I suspect the rules change, except for the leadership.
However-- this discussion is probably not appropriate for the oil drum.