The End of ....History?

Sorry for the break from semi-consistency. I was on vacation and then got sick and when I am sick I can't focus on anything.

I was reading some things, sci fi, and thought about how no one really thinks about the end, in real life. Some people ARE thinking about the end, currently reading a nonfiction book about where capitalism and growth should go, but most people prescribe growth for the sake of growth. But what does capitalism lead to? Incentives should guide th economy onto a path that doesn't destroy itself in the end. But, when these incentives don't mainfest themselves until it is too late, then we are screwed. There has to be development beyond stuff. Does it not seem obvious that intellectual or spiritual development has to take center stage in the end? The amount of knowledge in the world continues to grow, but do people take this into account in the everyday lives? No, people are just trying to survive, they have to. If each individual isn't doing it, shouldn't somebody be looking out for them?
I am not trying to say government or some supranational organization should be in charge of people's well-being per se. But, should not the leaders of industry, government, and other areas be enlightened to a degree. No, of course not, just look at who gets elected to Congress, both sides. I have seen the best minds of mind generation destroyed by greed and self-interest...because that is how the world works.
I think I just caused myself to become depressed....
Is there a point when you can't change someone for the better? Educationally (is that a word), or socially, is there a point when the oppurtunity has been missed? I have seen kids in elementary school and said "well, he probably isn't going to make it to college and will probably be a social burden in the future, what can I do?" I do not know. You can tell people to be good, but when people all around aren't reciprocating, how do you tell them to take the high road? Kids don't necessarily understand the high road. But, you can't wait until later, or can you? There has to be a point when you knuckle down and say "quite the bullshit and grow up. Look around and see the world and act like a person"...or something similar. What do you tell adults that have other things on their minds? Maybe you just need to talk to them. When I get older and have proved something I can help people. I just don't feel like I deserve to tell people anything.
In conclusion, everybody, including me, needs to think about where they want us all to go, and not just themselves. In the end, it seems that only knowledge/information and humanity, the caring for other people, are the only things that can last...and styrofoam cups...