Inspired by a conversation with Brian. I wrote:
1. People act in their own self-interest (debate'able, but I think nature would show us we prefer to survive vs die)
2. Our view of our environment is shaped by our senses be they physical (smell, taste, etc.) or intuitive (story telling, maybe meta-physical?)
3. We're wired to organize ourselves socially and distinguish ourselves in our social systems so that we can navigate them -- stories, propaganda, "strong man" kind of stuff, our positions (or our lacking the backbone to take one)
4. We are capable of doing horrible things to each other in the name of our self-interest; but we're not alone. Baboons and Chimps are no different. And...
5. We'd much rather act like jerks than understand and improve upon our nature.
Obviously, it’s all up for debate. I, myself, remain skeptical about these ideas. However, I think they’re a place to start future explorations.