The question becomes why? Why are we here? The human condition, the animal in all of us answers that simply. To continue the species, as is the job of every species out there. To procreate and continue. The cockroaches win this fight.
So if our purpose is survival of the species, why is mankind not more altruistic? Even lowly beasts will gather to protect the herd, the weak sacrificing themselves to the lions so the younger breeding stock survive. We know as humans that common defense and maintenance of infrastructure are the 2 things that will save our society, our "flock" if you will, yet so many people do so much for the good of one over the good of many.
Let's go on welfare, drain the public resources, and not even try to be productive members of society! Makes me sick...
I do feel a little better after watching the Undercover Boss that aired after the Super Bowl (Who dat?). An older gentleman going to dialysis 3 times a week with no doubt many more medical problems than just his kidney problems, that only wants to work. He gets angry when he sees healthy people without the same drive. I can only say I know how he feels. And the President of a national corporation that notices this and goes beyond profits to do the right thing for him.
Being on the streets everyday, though, I see so much more of the opposite. the "sheep in wolf's clothing" if you will. Those who talk of how much they help, of what good they are doing, yet when one opens their eyes they see the self-service for what it is. Stop with the self pity, suck it up, and be a productive member of society. After all, that is why we are here.
In closing, and this is just to all those religious types, I DO believe in God, but as Marx says, religion is merely the opium of the people.