Como é que chegamos a este estado de coisas?(1)

Sim, porque o mal não vem de raíz: "The over-weening conceit which the greater part of men have of their own abilities, is an ancient evil remarked by the philosophers and moralists of all ages. Their absurd presumption in their own good fortune, has been less taken notice of. It is, however, if possible, still more universal. There is no man living who, when in tolerable health and spirits, has not some share of it. The chance of gain is by every man more or less over-valued, and the chance of loss is by most men under-valued, and by scarce any man, who is in tolerable health and spirits, valued more than it is worth"

Smith, Adam in "Wealth of Nations Book I, cap 10"

Mais tarde chegámos ao paradigma do "Homo Oeconomicus", que domina 99% da análise microeconómica actual (porque não 99,9%). Adam Smith estava bem ciente que a natureza humana, não é tão simples.