Taking Europe, for example, our ancestors would not have survived without their adaptation to the climate and its consequences, breeding cooperation, empathy, industry, invention, efficiency, etc. A frivolous, impulsive, unintelligent people seeking immediate gratification would not have survived the winter.
In the article the Dutch disease is mentioned. It has three effects:
1. It makes the other exports less competitive (why bother with abundant resources?)
2. Imports financed by natural resources revenues increase, appreciating the currency (a double whammy for exports)
3. This causes a shift away from manufacture and similar industries rendering the economy more dependent on natural resources
I also think natural resources can be grabbed by individuals more easily than the skilfulness of a people leading to higher income inequality.
Are these things that can be naturally selected for?
>...would not have survived the winter.