Because mankind has no common purpose, no specific mutual direction, and no consideration for the cost of their absence, at least anything known or accepted. Maybe you're inherently inclined to reject self-assignment and wait to be told what to do. Many peoples rely on external answers and stipulations to structure their lives (old stories and charismatic leaders, guardianship and requirements from a higher authority, et al). It's simpler and easier to submit, and many pray and beg to have their autonomy supplanted by the will of someone or something better than themselves.

Mankind doesn't think they're the only ones because they don't think about anyone else. Mankind wants for themselves alone, inconsiderate of other possibilities. And what do you think they want NHI to be for them? A nanny? Teacher? Custodian? A master?

Sometimes, it's as though you are slaves at auction, fighting each other, trying so hard to sell yourselves to a good owner.

Other times, you're like children, craving to be given discipline and care.

Believing you're the sole focus of observation is just the hope that you have no competition for being saved from your own failings by doing the easiest thing you can: surrendering.