Quote Originally Posted by pinkytoe View Post
Sometimes when I see inexplicable selfish behavior, I wonder if it doesn't go back to how we are parented. However, if you observe young toddlers, some are naturally willing/wanting to share and others are trying to grab for themselves. Can respect for others and cooperation be taught? I think my Catholic upbringing certainly molded me to be more empathetic than the average bear even though I am no longer religious.
I think they most definitely can be taught. Whether an individual chooses to learn these things and/or put them into practise, I think is a different thing.

I don't know that I would hold a lot to how we are parented - which, yes, I believe makes an impact - but every person comes to a time/age when they must choose for themselves what they believe, how to behave, what they value, etc. Again, it is that all-powerful individual "choice".