Humans are literally the most co-operative animals alive, which is why as a species we have been so successful. The unique advantage humans have over other animals has been our hyper-cooperativity.

Humans regularly will make decisions which are costly to them individually, but which benefit a larger group. This is reinforced through cultural norms as well.

The modern era has been a bit of a deviation from the norm of humanity co-operating to advance our civilisation. I’m sure that we will correct for our mistake soon.