MATERIALIST MONISM 



riorated copies of natural practices of primitive 

 man. 



From savagery through barbarism to patri- 

 archy, the primitive organizations of man learn 

 the first rudiments of the art of controlling na- 

 ture. Brain and hands unite to bring forth tools 

 and shelter by which to increase human power 

 and comfort. The wilderness of plant and ani- 

 mal life succumbs step by step to man's superior 

 powers, and as his powers grow, his nature 

 moves away from the brute and his thoughts 

 turn toward higher evolution by means of still 

 greater control over nature. 



But with the increase of food, clothing, and 

 shelter, and the consequent multiplication of the 

 human sex group to a point where it becomes 

 unwieldy, the old natural relationships are un- 

 dermined. The human understanding is not 

 mature enough to consciously create better 

 adapted relationships. So, while the old rela- 

 tions gradually dissolve, new and unknown ones 

 arise and carry strife and disorder into the har- 

 mony of the ancient family life. To the extent 

 that this process continues, the common re- 

 sources of life are appropriated by the most 

 cunning or prominent man in each group, the 

 women are excluded from the common privileges, 



185 



