158 



I, an 



SOCIAL EVOLUTION 



tlie ocean. Tlio effect of such isolation is^ ignorance^ 

 superstition, mid the early crystallization of thought and 

 custom. Ignorance involves the lack of material for 

 comiuirison; hence a restriction of the higher reasoning 



Figure 57. Confidence-inspiring Environment of Greece, Mount Ossa. 



processes, and an unscientifk^ attitude of mind which 

 gives imagination free play. Tin contrast, the accessi- 

 bility of Greece and its fodal location in the ancient 

 world made it an intellectual clearing-house for the east- 

 ern Mediterranean. The general information gathered 

 there afforded material for wide comparison. It fed 

 the brilliant reason of the Athenian philosopher and the 

 trained imagination which ]ocoduced the masterpieces of 

 Greek art and literature. " ^O 



Buckle's theory was that the awe-inspiring aspects 

 of nature in India, enormous mountain masses, vast 



4'' Scmplo, luflupncpf! of (Irnrirajihic Enrironmrat, pp. 18-19. 



