Note to an Australian

I recently received a note regarding an article about altruism. (It is listed in the index as 'Caring is not learned.' I thought that some of the information I included in my reply might be of general interest so here it is, along with a few clarifications that I thought of after I sent it.
I am gathering ideas to publish a book. Because most of my information refutes current thoughts on the subject of human evolution, it is difficult to organize.
As for my background, I have a bachelor's degree in literature. Although that might seem far afield from science, it honed my critical thinking skills. And when it comes to science, more critical thinking would be helpful.
Ayn Rand has had a devastating effect on critical thinking, and her erroneous premise that ‘survival of the fittest’ means evolution favors cut-throat competition, has invaded even mathematics in the form of Game Theory. Since her devotees have taken over the power structures in the US government, including the majority of our Supreme Court, it is important to discuss how and why Homo sapiens survive by cooperation and beneficence. Until we reframe the scientific debate, we are prisoners of social Darwinism. (Sorry Darwin, I know you wouldn’t approve of the theory that uses your name.)
There are several other current missteps in anthropology such as one sophomoric theory that babies are 'cute' so that we love them. The backwards logic of this is obvious, but even Richard Dawkins once repeated it as though it might be true. Another interesting idea I have concerns language. Have you ever noticed how a small child can be controlled, warned, protected, by a simple 'no'? Adults can reach farther vocally than they could physically. Add the fact that other, non-related adults are able to help with warnings. 'No' is more specific than a warning call, and it is one of the first words a baby understands. Also consider that when we talk about Austropithicus, we extrapolate from behavior of chimps or baboons, even though neither of those species is on the course of what makes Homo sapiens unique.
(And I ended the note mentioning how intrigued I am with Australian movies, which deserve a blog all their own.)
Nancy Sherer