Recently, I found an article in Psychology Today giving science’s best offerings on the origins of greed and materialism. Here are some of the highlights of modern thinker’s thoughts on where greed comes from.

gender differences

Women are the source of greed in our world because as we evolved through the eons, the females of our species seek wealthy powerful males to mate with. They are naturally self-seeking and materialistic. But only for the good of the human race.

But wait! There’s current evidence that demonstrates how men are greedier than women. But that’s just because they have to appease the materialistic requirements of gold-digging females if they wish to engage in procreative activities (A desire, incidently, that exists in a surprising amount of males.).

personality effects

There are some personalities more prone to greed than others. In particular, those “with a greater disposition to be affected by their emotions” are greedier than emotionally stable people.

childhood environment

Those who grew up in a lower income household tend to be more materialistic. Those who grew up with everything they want never need to acquire more things. So, the poor are stuck with greedy dispositions.

I’m no psychologist. But I’ve got some misgivings about the speculations put forth here.

Number one–Sex.

I’ve met plenty of greedy women. And I’ve known a fair share of greedy men. You might as well lump me in with that number. My guess is that you, dear reader, have met greedy people on both sides of the gender fence.

As far as personalities are concerned,

to say that greed stems from genetics is to absolve people of responsibility for their greedy actions. Sorry, if you’re neurotic, than you’re destined to be materialistic. It’s not your fault. Please, don’t let us stop your irresponsible spending, extravagant living, and extortion of innocent people. We know you can’t help it, poor dear.

What a load of HOGWASH! (I’ve always wanted to write that word in public.)

Lastly, childhood environment.

I don’t think this is the issue, either. Personally, I’ve met greedy rich people and generous poor people. And vice versa.

An even better, philisophical reason I don’t think greed comes from poor childhoods is the fact that if this is true, than the only cure for greedy poor people is more greed. To get out of poverty, by definition, one must acquire wealth. If being greedy is the desire and acquisition for more things, than the only way out of poverty is to do everything you can to get enough things to satisfy your greedy desire. According to this theory.

Weird. Cyclical, really.

What do you think? Why are we greedy? How do we get out of being greedy?