I disagree.
On what basis are they judged "right" or "wrong"?
For example, cowardice is universally wrong; especially when it involves failing to help another human being in danger.
That's clearly false, as liberal subculture nearly universally embraces cowardice and even condemns those who disagree as "warmongers". Hardly makes for a universal "wrong".
Where do these core values of right and wrong come from? Certainly NOT from any "natural selection", as many of them are contrary to self-preservation!
Exactly! Human nature is selfish by default. What we have come to support as "good" are frequently principles which contradict self-preservation. They lift mankind to a higher plane, above simple self-preservation, and they come from God.
I recommend CS Lewis's commentary on the matter in his book "Mere Christianity", as he discusses some universal truths that led him to reject his atheism and become a Christian.
I love C.S. Lewis and his work. My take on the reasons behind the "universal truths" is that they are implanted in us by God. The conscience of man is not a product of natural selection, as it frequently contradicts survival instincts.
God is good; No God = No Good.
“They lift mankind to a higher plane, above simple self-preservation, and they come from God.”
We agree. When I say cowardice is one of the universal wrongs, I didn’t mean some don’t embrace it; just that deep down they know they’re wrong.
A better example: a person sees another human being drowning in a river—It is a universal feeling that something should be done to save him, not doing so would cause shame (inside) for cowardice.