I disagree with [RichF's answer](https://anime.stackexchange.com/a/44002/2516). 

> Meruem made multiple attempts to discuss co-existence with Netero, and in their fight he only acted defensively.

Netero is not the boss of the world, politics in *Hunter x Hunter* is very strong in the plot. I don't think Netero could agree with Meruem and then report to the world governments like "Meruem is a good guy. I made a contract with him, but 99% of the human population will die, only the 1% whose Meruem value will be saved."

Netero *did not have* an option. Don't get me wrong, I love Meruem a lot. I don't even blame the ants at all, but I hate when fans have a misconception and say things like "Netero is evil, he did not want to listen to Meruem". No one was wrong, there was a conflict of ideologies and even if ants and humans could cooexist, it would not be 100% sure.

> Netero intentionally gave up his honor in his fight.

People think like that because of the tone the author decides for Netero's death. But Netero fought Meruem alone, respected and thought he lived only for that moment, and in the end gave up his life for humanity.

People need to realize that you can't decide which one is wrong or right because of sentiments, there was a real implication for the outcome of the battle. And humanity is not only about flowers and love, but there is also nihilism, war, weapons, poverty.

The whole point of the arc was about surviving. And in the end, humanity survived even if it cost their own humanity.