Man in the Light of Evolution 



children, and that family life was of later ori- 

 gin. Westermarck ^ has brought very strong 

 arguments against this view. It is very strange, 

 when something closely approaching family life 

 had been attained by anthropoid apes, and prob- 

 ably characterized our prehuman anthropoid 

 ancestors, that this most valuable or essential 

 human institution should have lapsed or been 

 suppressed during man's early history. The 

 horde, where still occurring, seems more likely 

 to be degenerative than primitive. 



In all higher stages of civilization we find 

 family and social life both existing. In some 

 times and nations more emphasis is laid on the 

 family, in others more on society. Both insti- 

 tutions are essential to social health and well- 

 being. In the most successful and progressive 

 tribes, especially In our Aryan civilization, a 

 sound family life has been the basis of society. 

 Both must be perfected and adjusted In that 

 higher civilization which is slowly evolving. 

 We may safely consider both these institutions as 

 permanent and exceedingly effective elements in 

 human evolution. 



Westermarck, "History of Human Marriage. 



46 



