I think my main problem with buddhism and ethics is that...?

Our "natural animal instincts" are what keep us trapped in Samsara, the "monkey mind" is bound by the 3 poisons (greed, anger and ignorance). Buddha taught that humans are the only beings capable of enlightenment, because of the power of our minds to break free from our conditioned state (we are the only ones capable of meditation). Practice meditation and you will see exactly how we live in "the now". When you reach a level of meditative absorption nothing confines you- no rules, no desire, no suffering.