Do you count concern for the welfare of your compatriots as a kind of spirituality? I could certainly see how it could motivate a person to work to improve national institutions.

> Otherwise, why not take your intelligence and use it to build a good life for yourself and family?

Basically me. Ran a few times as a candidate for political office.

Realized that trying to change things is a scam, so now I operate based on hook and crook.

> Spirituality is the only thing that can convince people to spend a lifetime fighting against these structures of injustice. Otherwise, why not take your intelligence and use it to build a good life for yourself and family?

You will find, if you talk to people, that the overwhelming majority believe that these ends are closely related, if not coextensive.

Spirituality can be a very strong motivation; it can also be a very temperamental one. Better to build futures on less fickle foundations.