Man in the Light of Evolution 



an essential stage of preparation for the free- 

 dom which we enjoy. 



A second characteristic of primitive society Is 

 the widespread, If not universal, Idea of tribal 

 responsibility for the offense of any and every 

 member. When Achan sinned, all Israel suf- 

 fered without a murmur. When Agamemnon 

 had offended the priest of Apollo, the Greeks 

 died under the arrows of the god. Tribal reli- 

 gion and morality consisted mainly In observing 

 a host of customs and ceremonies. It was very 

 easy to sin against the gods. The very existence 

 of the tribe depended upon the strictness of Its 

 discipline. Held together and apart from others 

 by community of descent, custom, thought, ac- 

 tion, and religion, the tribe moved on In lock- 

 step. 



Individuals had to learn to live and get on 

 with one another. The man who could not or 

 would not conform was outlawed, and outlawry 

 was worse than quick death. Each man under 

 such conditions finds that he must do certain 

 things for others, and that he can claim certain 

 things from them. If his fellow is in difficulty 

 or danger he must help and defend him. In 

 times of scarcity he must share his little hoard 



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