This is quite a thought provoking post, one that will spur some emotions and somewhat reactions too. I agree with this whole logic
Everything we do in life, we do, is to make sure our individual genes/DNA is passed on, that we replecate. We do everything in our power to protect our children, give them the best, to make sure that they can thrive, all so that they can repeat the same thing when they become adults and they start to reproduce. Repeat over and over over generations.
This is a fact, no argument about it. But I guess that's how nature made it. Remember this great commission "... increase, multiply, dominate and replenish the earth...". So if we don't act on these, how then do we fulfill the commission?
Somewhere along the way with humans this has become not just physical threats, but emotional threats, and perceived threats that other people are going to become 'better' than you.
Rightly said, most of the things humans do is to ensure the continuity of their lineage, they do all to protect it and wouldn't look anyone who tries to stall it with a good eye. Reactions and counter reactions, and then "trouble" start to brew.
So there is a response. People start cutting other people down. People start to bully. People start to bad mouth other people. Because in a messed up way, they see someone being more successful than them, they are then a threat.
We all want to succeed, have the best things of life and equally enjoy life to the fullest. But wishing so doesn't warrant us pulling others down. That wasn't the way nature made it from the start. Unity of purpose and team work bring much greater success than individual work but you know somewhere along the line "so many waters passed through the bridge" and it will take conscious effort, re-orientation, and re-education to get it back on track again. Positivity is the key.
Wishing you all the best in your project and other endeavors