In this episode, Alan Weiss reveals The Uncomfortable Truth behind Greed. What is it and why do we have so much of it?

Greed is a longing to have things for the sake of having them. Not because you really need them, but because you want to get ahead of others. Are we a people of high standards who occasionally lapse, or are we all sinners and shouldn’t be so surprised about selfishness?

In the animal kingdom, identical animals of the same species compete for the same food source. The one that is more successful will perpetuate the species. So, are all organisms in constant conflict for limited resources?

Hitler popularized “lebensraum,” a German word for “breathing space.” Nazis then used this term to justify their appropriation of other people’s territory. The relationship of power to greed includes outright aggression and even warfare. Is “what the American (or whatever nationality) people really need….” really about what the politician personally needs to gain and wield power?

Stealing a parking spot, cheating no matter the circumstance, taking things from others – big or small, and being unwilling to share, are all forms of greed.

Are we ever satisfied, or are we simply hoarders of material and benefits that we deem important even after we have enough? And are we a people of high standards who occasionally lapse, or are we all sinners and shouldn’t be so surprised about selfishness?