20. Greed and Self-Interest
When greed and self-interest take center stage, ethical considerations often fall by the wayside. The relentless pursuit of wealth, power, or status can drive people to exploit others, cut corners, and ignore the suffering they cause. As Psychology Today points out, unchecked greed fuels corruption and injustice, turning ordinary ambitions into destructive forces. When personal gain becomes the highest priority, empathy and fairness are easily sacrificed.