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. Credit: Ira Byock.
@CalltoActivism Seems to have fallen by the wayside for far too many of us, in today's increasingly toxic, overly complex, plasticized, digital world. Serving others, serves everyone best. It's about love and caring empathy for our fellow humans (all life). Every single one.
Serving others - with honesty, courage, compassion, hope, faith & most of all genuine love. No matter who we are... A quote by Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ..."
@CalltoActivism Omg I love Margaret Mead and what she says here. We, as a civilization, have lost our way, our humanity, the thing that makes us civilized. 😢🤞🏻🙏🏻
Margaret Mead's perspective offers a profound insight into the concept of civilization. The ability to care for and support individuals who have suffered injury or adversity reflects the empathy and cooperation that define our humanity. It goes beyond mere material advancements and speaks to the compassion at the core of any society.
@CalltoActivism “We are at our Best., when we serve others “. Best lines. Thanks for sharing. 👌👏👍🙏