When I look at the world today, I see a lot of, well depressing things. War, poverty, torture, income inequality, erosion of rights and liberties, environmental destruction, you name it. We see people, especially those in power, acting in ways that can only be described as greedy, selfish, hateful, or vindictive. And it only seems to be getting worse. I often hear about how mankind is a social animal. How mankind is fundamentally hard wired to connect, cooperate, and empathize, but I find it hard to believe. Yes, there may be some legitimacy to the claim, but it comes off to me as new age nonsense, sort of like claiming that people have auras . If mankind truly is naturally empathetic, or social, or pro social, or cooperative, I sure as hell don't see it. I don't know if this is cynicism talking. Maybe I want my cynicism to be refuted by an external source you guys . But when I look at just how much greed, anger, and hatred have ravaged the world socially, economically, politically, or environmentally I sometimes feel like we're seeing the true mankind, and that kindness, empathy, and cooperation are merely masks. Change my view.
I believe that mankind is inherently vindictive, greedy, selfish, and solitary.