I'm aware of how the metaphor is used. If you would have read the entire chapter you would have known that the verse was talking about individuals as well.
Clay is an earthly thing. But it doesn't represent the earthly evil found in the world.
Jesus talks clearly about the spirit on many occasions.
John 3:6-8
6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
I would argue the Spirit is what we truly are created from, our true origin, not the earth.
Regarding your last comment. Why don't you refer back to the title of this post.