Volarecantare,
you make a very strong point in reference to the fears of the child and the role of the parent. My nagging question is sort of chicken and egg, is/was the thought of fear/losing something/being poor/greed learnt by the parents from humanity/society/state? Personally I think it is more towards the latter 2, especially as society becomes more perfection driven, nice car, nice house, white teeth, pale skin, rich etc.
This search for perfection is ultimately driven by the state, that wants to have the most wealth, land, control, power etc, when they virtually dictate to society "we must be more successful" at something, translates as "we must make more money/land". The fear of not having these things at a state level, filters down to the individual who also behaves in this way with house, car, money, possesions. Politicians are very clever at making people think that everything the state owns is also theirs, but it's not really is it? We voted them in, they are in control. not us individually. Only the £5 note says it "will pay the bearer the amount", it doesn't physically mean I own £5 worth of the british state. Democracy is not the perfect answer here.
And in certain countries, not far from where we live, this fear/desire can be very powerful, especially when private ownership has been repressed for so long, it is the state which repressed the chinese peoples personal wealth growth, which it believed would make things 'equal'.
Now, you only have to look at the flag waving and almost enforced anthem singing at yesterdays torch relay, to see the behaviour of adults 'in fear' of how the state sees them, back to perception of image. And the relation of the individual with the state, if I don't sing my heart out and wave a flag, the state will see me as bad, and therefore I won't succeed. This is not unique to China, look at how individuals/big business worldwide behaves to keep the state/individual politicians happy.
Finally, your point about the ancient society's I basically agree, but even those societies had hierarchy. Could it be that the human races greatest achievement - organised societies - has perhaps today become it's greatest downfall? Hierarchy - individual leadership/control - jealousy of that individuals elevated position/wealth - GREED?
Hope the thread drift wasn't too much, your thoughts.
Regards,
N1 Vibes
PS Bb - 0ooops, I didn't know it was that much!