We humans are just better at disguising our selfish motives. We are not even as smart as reptiles at recognising our long-term self interest. The entire energy system of the planet is based on life eating other life. Each tick of the clock represents not just another birth, but a net increase of births over deaths. So many people trying to increase the world's population and squeeze every other species off the planet.
Humans think they are the only species that has any right to habitat.
Mankind is so hell bent on destroying the environment as fast as he can. The faster you destroy the environment, the higher your social status. The faster you destroy the environment, the more you look down your nose on those that don't. The Hummer and the SUV for use in grocery shopping would be prime examples. There are almost infinite funds for military ventures to fight imaginary or real wars, and utterly nothing to prevent them or befriend our potential enemies.