Jai Prabhu! Why do we exist and where do we exist? I like how you asked these questions. You have hit the nail on the head. This is animal society. Eating sleeping, mating and defending. Nothing more than "polished animalism" as Srila Prabhupada would say. The aim and constant dedication of resources in society to these endeavors is in fact a waste of time as you point out. Above and beyond what is necessary for the body to survive comfortably we should reject.
"The Bhagavatam says that this body is not meant for working hard simply for sense gratification.
nayam deho deha-bhajam nr-loke
kastan kaman arhate vid-bhujam ye
Bhagavatam 5.5.1"