"Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.
But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said."
We are at our best when we serve others. Be civilized.
@pinskal would love to see a link to this quote....
@Pjcoyle As has been documented by over 50 federated members she did not say it, also over 50 federated members have documented the quotes unfairness and inaccuracy about animals. I origally posted it because I liked the center of the story, kindness to one another is key to civilization.
Many federated members have acknowledged that she did not say it, that it is unfair to animals and that it is a great story and the center of the story is key.
Jon
@Pjcoyle Thank you