Using Road Traffic as a Metaphor for Civilization

Look at a Four Way Stop Intersection to See Why Civilization Works > Similarity > Watching Cars Merge on the Freeway as an Example of Civilized Behavior
Jon Stewart and David Brin use freeway lanes merging and a four-way stop sign as demonstrations that human beings have a natural proclivity toward working with one another, and that society works because we can resolve disputes in a cordial fashion.