That's not a conservative upbringing/mentality.... That's a capitalist mentality.

The only thing I can really say about capitalists is that they're some of the worst people I've ever known, and I've known a few of them.

Very religious people (usually conservatives) are generally quite kind and generous. If they follow their religious book, that tracks. Since most religions teach about tolerance, acceptance, and understanding. Like the legend Fred Rogers; May he rest in peace.

Usually very liberal people are about basic social services for everyone, and programmes that support DEI. They want everyone to be on an equal playing field and they want that playing field to be, at a minimum, allowing all people to independently be able to live, have reasonably good health, food to eat, and somewhere to live.

Meanwhile capitalists always focus on the money. Who is paying for all of this? They don't want their money (via taxes) to go to people that are less than them. Anyone who makes less or has less is "losing", and they're "winning". All capitalists want to be on top, and they don't care who they have to trample to achieve that.

There are exceptions of course, on every one of these groups. For example, Bill Gates who donates a lot of money for good causes. He still has plenty of money, but honestly, he gives away a lot. By no means do I mean to imply that any billionaire is good; in this case Bill is just using the wealth he has to do good. He's clearly someone that made a lot of money doing capitalism things, and yet he believes in helping others.

The capitalists I have met are some of the most argumentative, vocal, and toxic people I've ever met.

Good on you for getting away from that mentality and finding enjoyment.