"What is to be done?

Nothing, many would say. Human beings are innately selfish and that is that. Newspapers bombard us with scientific evidence to back up this pessimism. We read about greedy chimpanzees, selfish genes, ruthless mate-selection strategies, even about meerkats - those famously cooperative creatures - who instead of looking out for their fellows spend most of their time "watching their own backs". Richard Dawkins of "selfish gene" fame lays it on the line: "Human society based simply on the gene's law of universal ruthless selfishness would be a very nasty society in which to live. But unfortunately, however much we deplore something, this does not stop it being true ..." Yet Dawkins does not despair: "If you wish, as I do, to build a society in which individuals cooperate generously and unselfishly towards a common good, you can expect little help from biological nature. Let us try to teach generosity "

Well said!

In an egalitarian society "Jack is as good as his master"even if it,s not true the smart would do well to teach this in a climate of generosity and altruism.Kindness is one of the endearing qualities of humanity to our four legged friends as well as our fellow man.

It could be said we are innately just about everything. Given that, it seems it's all about the choices we make. I hope more choose "...to teach generosity"

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.

We depend on each other not just for our survival but for our very being

See :Are We Wired To Be Kind?
http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/8D1E9C47-9C2B-4D2B-9708-C07CC6E455E9/

Rampant free market... You're kidding, right?

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."

Ralph Waldo Emerson