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Old 12-11-2004, 09:43 PM
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Cap'n Cap'n is offline
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Greed now, eh? Allright...

I don't think greed could be passed on genetically, therefore it is not influenced by evolution (at least not directly). More a subject of anthropology, psychology and philosophy than biology.

I think it is a product of human culture. Early settlements would undoubtedly have one individual with the most property and power. Others would note this and become jealous, and in trying to obtain that same amount of perceived respect would become greedy. I think it is a learned behaviour unique to our species. It could be viewed as a bonus that comes with the technology to aquire and store more than is necessary.