2 Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his own, with his hands, and would not borrow neither would he lend; and every man kept the hilt of his sword in his right hand, in the defence of his property and his own life and of his wives and children.
Such is the state of mankind once civic values break down. Ultimately, if we cannot trust others to act in line with a code of ethics, then we will retreat into a state of nature of all against all. Each can only protect himself and therefore there is no room for social interaction. Mistrust and hate fuels isolation.

In this Hobbesian state, the people were doomed to destruction. There was nothing left to bind them together, other than sheer fear of death.

How far the Jaredites had fallen from the days when their accomplishments and their unity were renowned.

How dependent are we on the rule of law and on the common values that bind us together and punish lack of compliance with that code. Without it we would be lost like the Jaredites were.