I agree to a certain percent but I also think that a lot of more localized problems are solved when people are busy with something productive. Bored people find things to do that are often very counter productive. No one does just 'nothing'. Everyone lives up to their ability to contribute. If they aren't contributing in a positive way they often look for ways to subvert the system. This can cause huge problems and a ripple effect for all those in affected areas. I understand that this is one premise behind city areas where it is unsafe for residents and where large populations are pulled into a cycle of poverty.

There are, admittedly many social and economic contributors but one stated often is that there is 'nothing else for young people to do' but become part of the problem.

I do agree with you that those people who feel a need to have rules and laws for every tiny detail of life can often miss the point that their solution doesn't work for everyone and it can make more trouble than it helps. This is particularly true when they start doing it in the political arena.

Speaking only of the ants, it's an interesting post and I believe that it's conclusions also apply to research done on bees, another highly socialized insect society. Biologists like to study bees as opposed to ants and it's there's something very satisfying in our understanding of the world when research shows strong parallels.