Dragan,
>>The decline of some societies doesn't necessarily mean their morality was wrong - it may just not have been strong enough, didn't take real root.
Whatever the reason: it would take a brave/arrogant leader to forge a new morality in the face of the failures of the 20th Century. Established religions have stood the test of time, just like democracy. Sure they have faults and warts, but lets not throw the baby out with the bathwater. We know these moral structures lead to stable communities. If we agree that is good, we need more than just a smug "I'm very sure of myself" to justify departures from the tried and true.
Right here on UT we see people who advocate that we are intrinsically good. to reach such a belief requires a pleasant upbringing and a sheltered adult life.
Which is actually great news, if our societies are able to support communities who can live that belief. We are succeeding.
"... They ne'er cared for us
yet: suffer us to famish, and their store-houses
crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to
support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act
established against the rich, and provide more
piercing statutes daily, to chain up and restrain
the poor. If the wars eat us not up, they will; and
there's all the love they bear us."
-- Shakespeare: Coriolanus, Act 1, scene 1
