History of Human SocietyBlackmar, Frank W. (Frank Wilson)
History
History of Human Society
Blackmar, Frank W. (Frank Wilson)
Civilization; Progress; Sociology
_Modern Civilization Includes Some Fundamentals_.--As applied at
different periods of the world's progress and as a representation of
different phases of life, civilization means more to-day than ever
before; its ideal is higher, its conception broader. In the modern,
accepted sense it includes (1) _a definite knowledge of man and
nature_. The classified knowledge of science and philosophy and all
phases of the history of man socially and individually are important in
estimating his true progress. All forms of thought and life are to be
estimated in considering the full meaning of the term. It also
includes (2) _progress in art_. While science deals with principles,
art deals with rules of action. Science gives classified knowledge,
while art directs to a practical end. Art provides definite plans how
to operate. If these plans are carried out, the field of practice is
entered. In its broadest conception art includes the making {11} and
the doing, as well as the plan. The fine arts and the industrial or
practical arts, in all of their varied interests, are included in art
as a factor in civilization. This category should include the highest
forms of painting, poetry, sculpture, and music, as well as the lowest
forms of industrial implements.
Civilization includes (3) _a well-developed ethical code_ quite
universally observed by a community or nation. The rule of conduct of
man toward himself and toward his fellows is one of the essential
points of discrimination between barbarism and civilization. While
ethical practice began at a very early period in the progress of man,
it was a long time before any distinct ethical code became established.
But the completed civilization does not exist until a high order of
moral practice obtains; no civilization can long prevail without it.
Of less importance, but of no less binding force, is (4) the _social
code_, which represents the forms and conventionalities of society,
built, it is true, largely upon the caprices of fashion, and varying
greatly in different communities, yet more arbitrary, if possible, than
the moral code. It considers fitness and consistency in conduct, and
as such is an important consideration in social usage and social
progress. In Europe it has its extreme in the court etiquette; in
America, in the punctiliousness of the higher social classes of our
large cities. But it affects all communities, and its observance may
be noted in rural districts as well as in the city population.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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