Where does the Heart of Darkness come from?

[Scrivener7]

If you study European history for the last few hundred years, the characteristic described by Conrad as the "Heart of Darkness" is clearly evident.

The need to colonize and enslave, the need to dominate, the lack of qualms about exterminating whole populations of people of different races or customs, the ability to discount the humanity of those they encountered as they moved into North America and Africa.

What do you think is the source of this Heart of Darkness?

I think many will say money, and that is true. But what is it about that particular segment of humanity that allows the desire for money to overcome every other consideration and allows them to leave behind every shred of decency toward other people in the pursuit of it?

Or is this characteristic not unique to European society at all? Is it just a human characteristic? Is it just that circumstances put Europeans in the position to exploit other populations and other populations would do the same if given the chance?

Regardless of who possesses the characteristic, though, where do you think it comes from?