Some people are genetically greedier than others and greedier people are much more likely to get into positions of power.

To make matters worse, people tend to like people who are like them. So greedy people help other greedy people. This means that power and money becomes concentrated in the hands of the greedy.

Well, we're made up of DNA. Scientists unanimously agree that DNA is responsible for all of our characteristics. If you search the internet, you should be able to find plenty of papers and evidence which document the effects of specific genes on personality. Recently, I watched a lecture about a specific gene nicknamed the "Warrior gene" - Scientists found that people who carried this gene were more likely to become serial killers.

I would argue that the presence of this "warrior gene" would be strongly correlated with greed. Police officers will tell you that the serial killer mindset is about low empathy combined with a desire for power over other people - That sounds like a pretty good recipe for greed too.

I wouldn't be surprised if there were other genes that played a part in this personality trait we call greed. Having a materialist view of the world, I think it's pretty safe to say that everything which differentiates us from non-living objects can be attributed to chemical reactions which trace back to DNA itself.

The cultural/environmental aspects of greed are merely feedback loops that are rooted in the genetics of the members of any given group/culture.

>Scientists unanimously agree that DNA is responsible for all of our characteristics

Whoa there buddy. They agree no such thing. Upbringing makes a difference too, to name just one of the entire gigantic category known as "environmental factors".

"Some people are genetically greedier..."

That's a pretty bold claim that I am coming across for the first time. I did not know greed has its roots in genetics. Can you cite some references? I would love to read more about this.

Finding 1 here: https://www.gwern.net/docs/genetics/2016-plomin.pdf

> All psychological traits show significant and substantial genetic influence

I don't buy this. The behavior of the wealthy people profiled in the article seems like it is clearly in the column of social signaling. A big bank account is hoarding. A closet full of Hermes handbags is showing off your status.

Yeah, replace "we" with "some." Some contingent of the population are greedy scumbags. It's not the human condition. Everyone always wants to sidestep responsibility because "it's in our nature." Complete cop-out.

They aren't greedy scumbags, just people with rather sad lives.