Why Does Humanity Cater to Greed?

For centuries, wise men and philosophers have taught us the importance of contentment. Yet, time and again, people have proven unable to be satisfied with what they have. This article delves into the heart of humanity and examines why we often cater to greed, despite knowing better.

The Inherent Desire for Growth

The fundamental difference between humans and animals lies in our intrinsic desire to grow beyond our current state. Unlike animals, who act purely out of instinct and do not accumulate more than necessary for survival, humans strive for more through boundless growth. This innate drive is the root of many of our desires and the primary driver of our actions.

Global Challenges and the Lack of Urgency

Despite our vast resources, humanity still faces numerous challenges. These issues, ranging from basic necessities to global health, often go unaddressed due to our limited focus and narrow identity. Here are a few pressing issues:

Nutrition

It’s a paradox: while the world produces enough food to feed everyone, hunger still prevails. Each second, a person dies from starvation. Approximately 1 billion people, or 1 in 6, face chronic malnutrition and homelessness. Millions more live in conditions that are harmful to their health.

Wealth Distribution

The disparity of wealth is stark. The top 0.6% of the world's population, just 42 million individuals, hold 39.3% of the world's wealth. This concentration of wealth highlights the inequality and greed that exist in our current system.

Housing

Across the globe, over 100 million people lack adequate housing. In many parts of the world, an estimated 1.6 billion people live in conditions that are inadequate or unsafe. This highlights the systemic issues that prevent individuals from accessing basic needs.

Healthcare

Health issues such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS remain significant challenges. In 2015 alone, around 1.6 million Africans died from these preventable or treatable diseases. This serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accessible and affordable healthcare services.

Expanding Our Identity

While it is human nature to strive for more, our lack of progress is not due to inherent greed but rather to our limited sense of identity. When we identify strongly with a specific group (whether it be religion, race, or country), we tend to focus solely on that group’s success. However, by expanding our sense of identity to include all of humanity, we can work towards the betterment of everyone.

A Call for Reshaping Human Behavior

The time has come to redefine our approach to human growth and progress. Rather than adhering to traditional morals that have proven ineffective, we must embrace an infinitely expansive view of humanity. By nurturing an identity that encompasses the entire human race, we can channel our boundless desires in a way that benefits everyone.

In essence, the challenges we face are not due to our fundamental greed but to our limited sense of self. By expanding our identity, we can transcend these limitations and work towards a more equitable and just world.