I get that it's a very pervasive social construct, particularly in the West. But as a social scientist who studies cultures around the world, as well as Paleolithic history, I have seen that it is indeed not "human nature." Now, getting a system like that of the US which is deeply tied in with predatory capitalism means it will not be an easy thing to shift - not at all. But, I think we have to get people to understand that it's not inevitable, and then we can perhaps move the ball at least a little bit in the right direction.

Sending best thoughts to your Eastern European friends. I'm sure that is tough all around.