If we are indeed completely in thrall to the selfish gene, why not throw all constraint to the winds and just be selfish – individually and collectively, in our politics, social arrangements, financial and economic dealings? writes Karen Armstrong in her review of Absence of Mind by Marilynne Robinson.
We saw during the 20th century (not to mention the first decade of the 21st) what can happen when the “me-first” mentality is given free rein. But this was also the century of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela, who revealed the potential for altruism in humanity.
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i think like all other traits, the selfish gene needs some reinforcing element or what you call a trigger to have a big impact on life. Our current socio-economic conditions actually is one the most encouraging for the selfish-gene. the whole mentality of our age is based on "me" and very few think of the whole picture.
you are expected to be selfish in order to survive..but we can change the environment we live in and give no chance for the gene to affect our behavior..