We have to have a collective look at what 1st-world governments, the media, and most "ordinary" people have been focusing on since the late 60's.

The world is not mobilizing towards these big "civilization advancing" goals, we're all just faffing about solving the next tiny little thing infront of our faces. That plus we're breeding mediocrity and not promoting excellence through meritocracy. This is purely cultural, and it's right infront of us every day to see and participate in (or not).