Why do human beings obviously gear towards being a better animal than a better human being?

Because we are animals. It takes work to transcend our knee jerk reactions and impulses. 

I have a few theories that feed this thought.
1. We are always comparing and competing against each other.  We do this geographically and individually. As a country, our people must be better than another country.  "The Smiths" vs. "The Jones" in the neighborhood.  He just had a garage added.  I must have a garage and another story.  She has bigger boobs.  I must compensate by driving a nicer car... and so on.
2. We always strive to better ourselves for survival of our species.
3. By nature, we are curious.

I don't understand this - we are animals so there is no difference.  We work to make better lives for ourselves and others. This post was edited by officegirl at October 21, 2018 6:01 AM MDT

Deep down we're still animals just like our furry/feathered/scaly/slimy friends.

not sure why