Just for a moment reflect on this fact: for almost all human beings on this planet, the goal of life continues to revolve around gaining wealth, recognition and power. By the time one realizes the worthlessness of these goals, it's time for him to leave. But as long as these remain the primary goals of our lives, we can't truly be compassionate toward the needs/plight of others and at every opportune moment, we'll try to take advantage of others if it helps us in achieving our primary objectives. The greater the benefit, the more the ruthless/selfish one can become when it comes to fulfilling one's desires. No matter of education/technology advancement can help unless what is important for our lives as a society is rebooted fundamentally.