Where Civilization Starts ~ Margaret Mead

“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.”