Human nature is a funny thing. All societies, whether in the Arctic, the desert or the savanna sing. They all dance. They all practice ancestor worship in some fashion. They all exhibit the "religious spot" (it's generally a religion, but could be supplemented or replaced by any "ism", whether it be communism, nationalism, or whatever). They all believe in spirits, most believe there are "little people" who stay hidden, but are mischievous. They follow both tribal/family forces at the same time as forces drawing them together - frequently in competition. And so on - it defines us as a species.

The post was more a commentary on the low moral compass found in the "first world" (as well as other places) and the apparent fact that it is not hard-wired into all of mankind to be thieves as there were significant exceptions. It's not what makes us human, despite it being common where we live.

My hobbies tend to merge. We have "always" (more than 5 decades) traveled abroad for entertainment. On occasion we will end up in a country where gem-stones are mined (and or cut) an pick up a bauble at a significant discount to what it would cost at home. US customs does not duty minerals (but put a beer can tab on it and call it a ring and you have to pay duty). These might sit in a safe deposit box for years until I get an inspiration and then they get turned into jewelry (by "occupational hazard" my other hobby has become jewelry designer - which lets my engineering background run amok). The problem is there are few safe places for my wife to actually wear what I've designed.

Jeff