You might be right and it might be that simple. But how did we end up this way? 3 explanations:
1) Most of us are genetically incapable intellectually
2) same but emotionally incapable
3) Our pop culture / TV culture / education has rotted our highly capable brains since we were young and we have not had the opportunity to developed its natural capabilities. (And this may be by design)

I think #3
Sounds like you think #1 and/or #2?