That was exactly when I stopped pursuing the issue. I'd ask a different question though. Given all what we know, from raw empirical observations to pure knowledge as such, why should it surprise anyone that our way of living is absurd? Given our unadorned existential situation (granting some benefit of doubt here and there but also a hefty dose of skepticism) which of our behavioral tools really matter as in what on Earth is even worth the effort?

So to me it's not so much about reconciling our fundamental nature with demands of society and (not exactly healthy) inclinations said society is build upon. I mean if society was not at odds with self-realization, it would not feel absurd and there would be no need for any reconciliation whatsoever. There would be (almost) no one who would even think of forcing death fights on you (and let's be honest, that's what they are -- we've built a global social structure where we survive by preying on each other, which, at its root, is plain and simple cannibalism and touches all areas of life).