Final answer:
People focus on surface-level qualities due to psychological tendencies towards immediate gratification and an innate selfishness, often within the confines of a world of scarcity that limits their fulfillment of desires.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many people are preoccupied with surface-level attributes because of a variety of social and psychological reasons. In a world of scarcity, where not all desires can be met, individuals often focus on things that are immediately gratifying, such as appearance or social status, rather than deeper, more substantial aspects of life. This can be likened to the cave allegory mentioned, where some are content seeing only shadows and not seeking a broader truth. Furthermore, the innate nature of humans leans towards selfishness, where one's actions are often driven by personal desires for material or relational gains. The emphasis on superficial qualities can also stem from wanting to maintain a certain societal position or avoiding the discomfort of challenging one's current beliefs.