Humans were likely not naturally imbued with the drive to “be responsible.” Growing up, we struggle with the idea–getting homework completed on time, keeping up with our mittens in the winter, reproducibly completing chores around the house and, later, coming home on time from nights out with friends or dates.
The ancient drives to protect food, offspring and mating partners are not actually manifestations of responsible behavior, but rather biological imperatives associated with our innate desire to survive and pass on our genetic material. Responsibility is different. We usually direct responsible behaviors at a goal–something a particular family, group or culture values.
