On the matter of people with tendencies to be generally good, I am not so sure it is that simple.
Our environment in which we grow up dictates our predispositions. Like children who grew up with say wolves since a very early age, they even have certain values the pack instilled, learnt the hard way.
Little kids are quite vicious. If they are left to be with no adult interference it would be interesting to see where it ends up. Problem is we cannot do that, it will scar them for life.
Humans, all living organism actually, learn from pain.
Interesting test I do, with parents who refuse to smack their kids on matters of life and death, I will ask parents with little kids, can I take your child to the other side of the freeway and walk away? Without fail, No Never!
Ask the same from a non-white parent. Invariably they say, yes, they will be safe.
What is the difference?
White kids step off the pavement in front of a car, parent/s will explain why not, maybe a light smack on the bum, screaming if the parent/s got really scared. Have to repeat the lesson and hope the kid learns fast enough. But they don’t trust their kids.
Non-white kids here get whacked silly. Either the parent/s shows them the pain … or the car does. They learn very quickly how dangerous roads are and the parents can trust their kids to be safe.
Overall society has to have dire consequences of individuals actions to keep the majority of people in line, not religion nor upbringing, punishment under the Law makes us toe the line. Religion has the same, punishment for ones incorrect actions.
Which came first, the Laws or Religion, ito punishment?