One of the wisest things ever said by one of the pro- 

 foundest philosophers of all time was the warning to the 

 seeker after truth to beware of the influence of the ' idols 

 (or illusions) of the tribe,' by which he meant that body of 

 traditional prejudices which every sect, family, nation, and 

 neighbourhood has clinging to it, and in the midst of which 

 and at the mercy of which every human being grows up. 



