Selfishness

Selfishness is perhaps the greatest evolutionary holdover to be overcome. It permeates most of our society and threatens to destroy all the good things we create.
Selfishness is simply an instinct: the desire to have things in order to survive. Like squirrels we want to store away enough food to last the winter. We want a warm place to stay. And we are not content with our wanting. We continue to acquire food, clothing, transportation, entertainment, and money. We are never satisfied with having more. The instinct is there to ensure our survival in the harsh realities of the natural world.
Yet, our technology has progressed to the point where we don't need to store away food and clothing for hard times. Our grocery stores are stocked with food year-round. Our homes are heated and cooled. Our transportation is unbelievably reliable. We can buy new clothes at any time. We live in a world of riches, where our basic needs are met, and much of our desires are for entertainment.