I didn't say there isn't a spiritual absolute. That it would be that essence of sentience, of being. The fact of desire, not so much the objects, focal points, ideals that desire seeks.

They are more like the eye of the storm, that forms as desire coalesces.

You can be alive and aware, without some ideal or focus to give you direction. So you are of the spirit, even if confused.

Monotheism, as practiced by the three primary monotheistic religions, promotes various ideals as God, from The Word, to The Chosen, to Jesus, to Allah, as an ideal giving the community a joint point of focus.

Sometime pacifist can come out on top. Look at Mahatma Gandhi, or Mandela. Violence might work in some situations, but the overall effect is destruction. Even predators in nature are very selective and limited in what they kill, because they need a healthy environment. People tend to see violence in terms of ego and pride. Then have no network to fall back on. "Honor among thieves."

Life is more rock, paper, scissors, than winner take all.