> Could it be something about human nature that prevents utopias and good intentions from working as planned?

Its not 'human nature'. The 'human nature' is cooperative, helpful and 'good' by instinct:

scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-probe-human-nature-and-discover-we-are-good-after-all/

Its the minority obsessive-compulsive control freaks and sociopaths who prevent utopias and good intentions from working.