In Manufacturing Consent, Herman and Chomsky write that (I’m paraphrasing) “nobody wakes up and thinks, ‘how will I ruin the world today?’”.

Our world is full of perverse incentives which are embedded into society itself. It’s been one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned.

Truly evil people are rare. Selfish people not so much. But selfish people nevertheless will generally follow the law and social convention.

Unfortunately it’s hard to change either of these things.