Ok let me try this again....

The first thing that popped into my mind was increasing use of recordings. Particularly those that are stored outside our bodies via symbolic expression. At some point early on we recognized that we could increase the scope and reliability of our memory by making markings to represent events we witnessed and ideas that occur to us. This practice greatly affected our ability to predict seasonal changes and can reasonably be considered a primary factor in our transition from hunter/gatherers to successful agriculturalists and farmers. It's foundational to civilization itself, I think (It's at the very least, greatly impacted science and religion). So many of our greatest achievements rely on our ability to create records and communicate using symbols it's positively staggering, but where we are going wrong with it can be summed up in one word. Bureaucracy.

People have been learning from one another via symbolic communication since the beginning of recorded history. The earliest record keepers secured for themselves great advantage over those whose ability to create, keep and accurately interpret records was underdeveloped by comparison. In the interests of preserving that advantage the practice of secrecy and hiding the truth began it's advance.

Over time a division between classes of people began to manifest itself, and the private information handed down within the literate class allowed them to firmly establish themselves in positions of authority (or for those clever enough, in positions protected by authority). In many cases the great thirst for understanding was substituted by a thirst for power over others and/or luxury and these instances became effective roadblocks to greater discoveries and the overall advancement of humanity. Today it's clear to many that when information is freely shared it has the opposite effect, but secrecy still very much has a strangle hold on humanity.

It's easy to stand in awe of our fabulous complex accomplishments, but with a simple shift in perception can see that humanity's achievements are as those of an idiot savant. We can map the human genome, Fly to the moon, create life saving vaccines, formulate compelling theories about the nature of reality, etc.. but as yet we can't figure out how to resolve our differences without killing a whole lot of poor people, we can't stop knowingly poisoning our environment, we can't overcome hate, we can't even feed ourselves.

Our pride is legendary and largely of an unhealthy sort. It turns our strengths into weaknesses. We act like it's a given that generations to follow will be able to take what we leave them and do something admirable with it, but unless we can show them how to value things worthy of valuing, all our great intellectual achievements , all our magnificence might disappear.

If we focus our attention more towards health matters, we can turn earth into a paradise, and we may have a chance at outliving this planet.

If I were to list what we're doing right...

We are learning that our wellness depends on the wellness of other living beings. We are transitioning from a culture of secrecy to one of openness. We are transitioning from an authoritative paradigm to a negotiative one. We are transitioning from a prideful posture to one of humility. We are learning the value of broader human dignity.

If I were to list what we're doing wrong...

We have placed comfort as our top priority. We are refusing to transition from a culture of secrecy to one of openness. We are refusing to transition from an authoritative paradigm to a negotiative one. We are refusing to transition from a prideful posture to one of humility. We view other classes of people as fundamentally superior/inferior.