Been considering this myself, as well. I realize that closeness for me comes from shared projects. Seems it would be “easier” and “more natural” if we all came together every single day just to survive, to eek out a diet from wild places and wild animals who no more want us to eat them then we want to be eaten ourselves. I don’t consider that “cruel.” (Cruel I reserve for those (who do exist) who take pleasure in torturing and being mean.)
Something about being on the edge… creates cohesiveness OR ELSE. 
I do not consider the world cruel. My own experience is there is a lot of contrast, that people in their primitive brains cannot really be trusted or relied upon – myself included – so gravitating towards those with some skill at self- and co-regulation changes “my world.”
I do have a hunger for beings who really have a broader and deeper connection that we can share. Yes, it’s rare. Worth cultivating, and I also believe that projects and initiatives done together can help us to… know each other, and know ourselves better through co-creating. Even if just for a reason and not for a season or a lifetime.