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 fishhook, or clay pots, or grinding stones. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization is #compassion . A femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed was discovered from an ancient culture 15,000 years ago. 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,” Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, #committed citizens can’t #change the world; For, indeed, that's all who ever have.” We are at our best when we serve others. Be #civilized .. be #safe .. be #cautious .. be #caring . #WeekendMusings
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#culture
#compassion
#committed