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The
Story of Everything
An
abridged edition of The Urantia Book
Paper
81: Development of Modern Civilization
The human race is made up of five basic racial stocks-Andonic, primary Sangik, secondary Sangik, Nodite, and Adamic-each of which could at one time be identified by distinct skeletal types. Extensive blending over the past twenty thousand years has resulted in mankind being divided into three basic groups: Caucasoid, Mongoloid, and Negroid.
Biologic evolution may advance in the absence of culture, but culture does not flourish without prior racial progression. The violet race improved human brain capacity and hastened natural evolution. The infusion of violet blood caused advances in civilization that exceeded the total biologic progress of the previous million years.
Early important events contributed greatly to the growth of human civilization. The taming of fire gave birth to modern science. The domestication of dogs, horses, sheep, goats, cows, camels, fowl, elephants, oxen, and yak lightened the human work load. Through agriculture, animal domestication, and improved architecture, mankind gradually began to seek higher standards of living.
About 12,000 BC, trade and manufacturing began to promote cross‑fertilization of cultures. Two thousand years later, the era of independent cities dawned. Commerce quickly became the most effective influence in the spread of civilization. Military conquests, colonization, and missionary work also contributed to the exchange of ideas between people.
The socialization of human culture curtails personal liberty but enhances individual survival potential. Civilization protects group rights as well as those of individuals. The following essentials maintain and foster human civilizations:
Natural circumstances-Climate and geographic conditions contribute to cultural evolution.Capital goods-Material prosperity and well-earned leisure time afford people the opportunity to think and plan for social progress.
Scientific knowledge-Science trains people to think precisely, stabilizes philosophy, and purifies religion.
Human resources-The number of intelligent people influences the progress of society.
Natural resources-Much depends on the wise utilization of natural resources, scientific knowledge, capital goods and human potentials.
Effectiveness of language-Common language facilitates peace; linguistic development facilitates the expression of evolving thought.Effectiveness of mechanical devices-The progress of civilization is directly related to the development of tools, machines, and distribution channels.
Character of torchbearers-The home must be the basic institution of culture for education of young people. Social life and schools should be secondary.
Racial ideals-Intelligence controls civilization, wisdom directs it, and spiritual idealism uplifts it.
Coordination of specialists-Civilization is dependent on the effective coordination of social, artistic, and industrial specialists.
Place‑finding devices-Not only must man be trained for work, but society must devise techniques for directing individuals to suitable employment. People lose morale when continually supported from public funds.
The willingness to cooperate-Nations tend to disintegrate without intelligent patriotism.
Effective and wise leadership-Teamwork depends on leadership.
Social changes-Changes must keep pace with scientific development, but great changes should not be attempted suddenly.
The prevention of transitional breakdown-Moving from established methods into new systems requires strong leadership.