Dear Sir/Madam,

Awareness is growing of the role mankind's animal nature plays in determining his behaviour, but few realise just how dominant it is, or the threat it poses to our survival.

What really distinguishes humans from other animals is portrayed symbolically in the first part of the remarkable biblical story of Adam and Eve. But for some reason (the ancient author's concept of) "God" cursed them for the very thing that made them human. As a result, religion has taught us to feel guilt for, instead of the challenge of "original sin".

Of most importance, because of the threat it poses to our survival, is the fundamental role that our primitive animal nature plays in our economic system. That, of course, is why it works so well. Communism, in contrast, never had a chance.

It works so well by exploiting our primitive (animal) fears, desires, competitiveness, and eagerness for a bargain or “free lunch”, and appealing to our insatiable materialistic desires, which, on a planet with limited resources and a finite carrying capacity, is leading us towards catastrophe.