Do people just naturally want conflict

[Ahriman]

I've spent a few years in combat zones. The major desire I noted was one of "GET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!!" Men curse, women weeps, children just make funny noises and try to hide behind a stray dog or something.

On a less frenetic level a lot of people do enjoy conflict in the order of footy or football, as long as its vicarious.

But do people fighting in combat zones feel they are alive, and that they are doing/did something meaningful?

Meaningful pleasurable experiences are the ideal, but I suspect that many will unconsciously drift towards or create meaningful negative/mixed experiences rather than have a total absence of meaning in their lives.  Somewhat akin to how many prefer pain to boredom, and drama to peace.

I doubt it's even possible to experience something that is both meaningful and pleasurable at the same time, not without some kind of drug. It's one or the other, while sober.