Civilisation : Its Cause and Cure 



no compensating power of resistance, but compels 

 him at peril of his life to swathe himself in great- 

 coats and mufflers — the blame is none but ours. 

 It is we who have covered the lands with a pall 

 of smoke, and are walking to our own funerals 

 under it. 



That this climate, however, at its best may not 

 be suited to the highest developments of human 

 life is quite possible. Because Britain has been 

 the scene of some of the greatest episodes of Civilisa- 

 tion, it does not follow that she will keep the lead 

 in the period that is to follow ; and the Higher 

 Communities of the future will perhaps take their 

 rise in warmer lands, where life is richer and fuller, 

 more spontaneous and more generous, than it 

 can be here. 



Another point in this connection is the food 

 question. For the restoration of the central vigour 

 when lost or degenerate, a diet consisting mainly 

 of fruits and grains is most adapted. Animal food 

 often gives for the time being a lot of nervous 

 energy — and may be useful for special purposes ; 

 but the energy is of a spasmodic feverish kind ; 

 the food has a tendency to inflame the subsidiary 

 centres, and so to diminish the central control. 

 Those who live mainly on animal food are specially 

 liable to disease — and not only physically ; for 

 their minds also fall more easily a prey to desires 

 and sorrows. In times therefore of grief or 

 mental trouble of any kind, as well as in times of 

 bodily sickness, immediate recourse should be 

 had to the more elementary diet. The body 



6i 



