This is certainly a big topic and requires more than a little bit of thinking. I agree with all of what NavHome said and agree that it might all come down to greed or the difference between what is needed and what is wanted. I also think that it has alot to do with the strong emphasis on individualism and competition.

A few years ago I decided to teach co-operative learning. I was amazed at the results. Although everyone had a specific role, nobody was the leader and everyone had to contribute. Too hard to explain the methods but what I discovered was that everyone was a winner when competition was eliminated. Everyone learned from each other in what can best be described as an emotionally safe environment.

I still use these methods but have returned to a more conservative method of instruction because of parental concerns. They were afraid that their 7 year olds would not be able to compete in the larger world!

I think thats because our world's resources seem to be finite, fear and competition motivate most people to abandon their natural affinity to share. Ignorance leads to fear and fear leads to pain.

The other thing I noticed is that today, most people are racing toward the future at such a frantic pace, they do not take the time to reflect on their own behaviour.

The notion of original sin is also devastating. Why would anyone try to be righteous when they have been told that they were born as sinners? ...or that its natural to sin but that you just have to confess so that you can go out and sin again and confess...

Effective problem solving is another part of the elementary education here in B.C. It requires logic and reason.

So - we're in big trouble, folks and not just here in the West.

I think its time to concentrate on respect for others, co-operation, and effective problem solving with a big heap of compromise. It probably gets down to practicing this in our own lives first and insisting that our children be educated accordingly.