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[Astonished]

We're capable of it, just not many of us, and were it not for wanton indoctrination, more people probably would be too.

I don't think that's necessarily true.  The idea that there's a right way to be and a wrong way is fine when you're sipping coffee in Starbucks.  However, when you're stuck in some new land with nothing to aid you but the hairs sticking up on the back of your neck, instinct (even the instinct for superstitious thought) turns out to be very useful.

That's something we tend to forget.  "Evolved" doesn't mean we are civilized or spiritually superior.  It means we are adapted to the environmental pressures around us.  Last time I checked, dumbass X-tians didn't have trouble reproducing or raising offspring to reproductive age.  Ergo-- fuuuuuuucking Republicans are a thing.

I honestly don't think we're going to be around long enough to turn into something else, let alone something capable of rising above that limitation en mass.

Yeah, that's our big test, and it seems to be coming up on us now.  Will we allow our instincts to sink us?

No idea what you're going into 'stranger in a strange land' for, that's got nothing to do with this discussion. But like I said, I think only a select few are capable of it, not at large, although I strongly suspect that number would rise if everyone was given an equally unrestricted footing. Having the advantage of understanding evolution and physiology enables us to exercise a greater degree of control over our baser natures. Admittedly having all of our needs met is a big factor; diminishing the number of things to worry about (the consequences of rampant ignorance and stupidity next door and overseas) too, naturally. But because a majority of the planet is unwilling to get with the program, not only are they not the sort who'll rise above this, but they provide an obstacle to all the rest doing so as well.