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81:6.1 While [[biologic]] [[evolution]] has proceeded ever upward, much of [[cultural]] [[evolution]] went out from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrates Euphrates valley] in [[waves]], which successively weakened as [[time]] passed until finally the whole of the [[pure]]-line [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:4._THE_VIOLET_RACE Adamic] [[posterity]] had gone forth to enrich the [[civilizations]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia Asia] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe]. The races did not fully blend, but their [[civilizations]] did to a considerable extent mix. [[Culture]] did slowly spread throughout the world. And this [[civilization]] must be [[maintained]] and fostered, for there exist today no new [[sources]] of [[culture]], no [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] to invigorate and [[stimulate]] the slow [[progress]] of the [[evolution]] of [[civilization]].
81:6.2 The [[civilization]] which is now [[evolving]] on [[Urantia]] grew out of, and is predicated on, the following [[factors]]:
81:6.3 1. ''Natural circumstances''. The [[nature]] and extent of a [[material]] [[civilization]] is in large [[measure]] determined by the [[natural]] [[resources]] available. [[Climate]], [[weather]], and numerous [[physical]] conditions are factors in the [[evolution]] of [[culture]].
81:6.4 At the opening of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] era there were only two extensive and fertile open [[hunting]] areas in all the world. One was in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North America] and was overspread by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas Amerinds]; the other was to the north of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkestan Turkestan] and was partly occupied by an [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64#64:1._THE_ANDONIC_ABORIGINES Andonic]-yellow race. The decisive [[factors]] in the [[evolution]] of a superior [[culture]] in southwestern Asia were [[race]] and [[climate]]. The [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] were a great people, but the crucial [[factor]] in determining the [[course]] of their [[civilization]] was the increasing [[aridity]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran Iran], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkestan Turkestan], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinkiang Sinkiang], which forced them to [[invent]] and [[adopt]] new and advanced [[methods]] of wresting a livelihood from their decreasingly [[fertile]] [[lands]].
81:6.5 The [[configuration]] of [[continents]] and other [[land]]-arrangement situations are very [[influential]] in determining [[peace]] or [[war]]. Very few Urantians have ever had such a favorable [[opportunity]] for continuous and unmolested [[development]] as has been enjoyed by the [[peoples]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North America]—protected on practically all sides by vast [[oceans]].
81:6.6 2. ''Capital goods''. [[Culture]] is never developed under conditions of [[poverty]]; [[leisure]] is [[essential]] to the [[progress]] of [[civilization]]. [[Individual]] [[character]] of [[moral]] and [[spiritual]] [[value]] may be acquired in the [[absence]] of [[material]] [[wealth]], but a cultural [[civilization]] is only derived from those conditions of [[material]] [[prosperity]] which foster [[leisure]] combined with [[ambition]].
81:6.7 During [[primitive]] times life on [[Urantia]] was a serious and sober [[business]]. And it was to [[escape]] this incessant [[struggle]] and interminable toil that [[mankind]] constantly tended to drift toward the salubrious [[climate]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropics tropics]. While these warmer zones of habitation afforded some remission from the [[intense]] [[struggle]] for [[existence]], the races and [[tribes]] who thus sought ease seldom utilized their unearned [[leisure]] for the advancement of [[civilization]]. [[Social]] [[progress]] has invariably come from the [[thoughts]] and [[plans]] of those races that have, by their [[intelligent]] toil, learned how to wrest a living from the [[land]] with lessened [[effort]] and shortened days of [[labor]] and thus have been able to [[enjoy]] a well-earned and profitable margin of [[leisure]].
81:6.8 3. ''Scientific knowledge''. The [[material]] aspects of [[civilization]] must always await the accumulation of [[scientific]] [[data]]. It was a long time after the [[discovery]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_and_arrow bow and arrow] and the utilization of [[animals]] for [[power]] [[purposes]] before man learned how to harness [[wind]] and [[water]], to be followed by the employment of [[steam]] and [[electricity]]. But slowly the [[tools]] of [[civilization]] improved. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weaving Weaving], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery pottery], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestication domestication] of animals, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallurgy metalworking] were followed by an age of [[writing]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing printing].
81:6.9 [[Knowledge]] is [[power]]. [[Invention]] always precedes the [[acceleration]] of [[cultural]] [[development]] on a world-wide [[scale]]. [[Science]] and [[invention]] benefited most of all from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing_Press printing press], and the interaction of all these [[cultural]] and inventive [[activities]] has enormously [[accelerated]] the [[rate]] of cultural advancement.
81:6.10 [[Science]] teaches man to speak the new [[language]] of [[mathematics]] and trains his [[thoughts]] along lines of exacting [[precision]]. And science also stabilizes [[philosophy]] through the elimination of [[error]], while it purifies [[religion]] by the destruction of [[superstition]].
81:6.11 4. ''Human resources''. Man power is indispensable to the spread of [[civilization]]. All [[things]] [[equal]], a numerous people will [[dominate]] the [[civilization]] of a smaller race. Hence failure to increase in [[numbers]] up to a certain point prevents the full [[realization]] of [[national]] [[destiny]], but there comes a point in [[population]] increase where further [[growth]] is [[suicidal]]. Multiplication of numbers beyond the optimum of the [[normal]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man-land_ratio man-land ratio] means either a lowering of the [[standards of living]] or an [[immediate]] expansion of territorial boundaries by peaceful penetration or by [[military]] [[conquest]], forcible occupation.
81:6.12 You are sometimes shocked at the ravages of [[war]], but you should [[recognize]] the [[necessity]] for producing large [[numbers]] of [[mortals]] so as to afford ample [[opportunity]] for [[social]] and [[moral]] [[development]]; with such planetary [[fertility]] there soon occurs the serious [[problem]] of overpopulation. Most of the [[inhabited worlds]] are small. [[Urantia]] is [[average]], perhaps a trifle undersized. The optimum [[stabilization]] of national [[population]] enhances [[culture]] and prevents [[war]]. And it is a [[wise]] nation which knows when to cease growing.
81:6.13 But the [[continent]] richest in [[natural]] deposits and the most advanced [[mechanical]] equipment will make little [[progress]] if the [[intelligence]] of its people is on the decline. [[Knowledge]] can be had by [[education]], but [[wisdom]], which is indispensable to true [[culture]], can be secured only through [[experience]] and by men and women who are [[innately]] [[intelligent]]. Such a people are able to learn from [[experience]]; they may become truly wise.
81:6.14 5. ''Effectiveness of material resources''. Much depends on the [[wisdom]] displayed in the utilization of [[natural]] [[resources]], [[scientific]] [[knowledge]], [[capital]] goods, and [[human]] [[potentials]]. The chief [[factor]] in early [[civilization]] was the [[force]] exerted by wise social masters; [[primitive]] man had [[civilization]] [[literally]] thrust upon him by his superior contemporaries. Well-[[organized]] and superior [[minorities]] have largely ruled this world.
81:6.15 Might does not make right, but might does make what is and what has been in [[history]]. Only recently has [[Urantia]] reached that point where [[society]] is willing to [[debate]] the [[ethics]] of might and right.
81:6.16 6. ''Effectiveness of language''. The spread of [[civilization]] must wait upon [[language]]. Live and growing languages insure the expansion of civilized [[thinking]] and [[planning]]. During the early ages important advances were made in [[language]]. Today, there is great need for further [[linguistic]] [[development]] to [[facilitate]] the [[expression]] of evolving [[thought]].
81:6.17 [[Language]] evolved out of group [[associations]], each local group [[developing]] its own [[system]] of [[word]] exchange. [[Language]] grew up through [[gestures]], signs, cries, imitative [[sounds]], intonation, and accent to the vocalization of subsequent [[alphabets]]. Language is man's greatest and most serviceable [[thinking]] [[tool]], but it never flourished until [[social]] [[groups]] acquired some [[leisure]]. The [[tendency]] to [[play]] with [[language]] [[develops]] new [[words]]—[[slang]]. If the [[majority]] adopt the slang, then usage [[constitutes]] it language. The [[origin]] of [[dialects]] is [[illustrated]] by the indulgence in "baby talk" in a [[family]] [[group]].
81:6.18 [[Language]] [[differences]] have ever been the great barrier to the extension of [[peace]]. The [[conquest]] of [[dialects]] must precede the spread of a [[culture]] throughout a race, over a [[continent]], or to a whole world. A [[universal]] [[language]] promotes [[peace]], insures [[culture]], and augments [[happiness]]. Even when the tongues of a world are reduced to a few, the mastery of these by the [[leading]] [[cultural]] peoples mightily [[influences]] the achievement of world-wide [[peace]] and [[prosperity]].
81:6.19 While very little [[progress]] has been made on [[Urantia]] toward [[developing]] an international language, much has been accomplished by the [[establishment]] of international [[commercial]] exchange. And all these international [[relations]] should be fostered, whether they involve [[language]], [[trade]], art, [[science]], competitive [[play]], or [[religion]].
81:6.20 7. ''Effectiveness of mechanical devices''. The [[progress]] of [[civilization]] is directly related to the [[development]] and [[possession]] of [[tools]], [[machines]], and channels of [[distribution]]. Improved tools, ingenious and [[efficient]] [[machines]], determine the [[survival]] of contending [[groups]] in the arena of advancing [[civilization]].
81:6.21 In the early days the only [[energy]] applied to [[land]] cultivation was man power. It was a long [[struggle]] to substitute oxen for men since this threw men out of employment. Latterly, [[machines]] have begun to displace men, and every such advance is directly contributory to the [[progress]] of [[society]] because it [[liberates]] man power for the accomplishment of more valuable tasks.
81:6.22 [[Science]], guided by [[wisdom]], may become man's great social [[liberator]]. A [[mechanical]] age can prove disastrous only to a nation whose [[intellectual]] level is too low to [[discover]] those [[wise]] [[methods]] and sound [[techniques]] for successfully [[adjusting]] to the [[transition]] difficulties arising from the sudden loss of employment by large numbers consequent upon the too rapid [[invention]] of new types of laborsaving [[machinery]].
81:6.23 8. ''Character of torchbearers''. [[Social]] inheritance enables man to stand on the shoulders of all who have preceded him, and who have [[contributed]] aught to the sum of [[culture]] and [[knowledge]]. In this [[work]] of passing on the cultural torch to the next [[generation]], the [[home]] will ever be the basic [[institution]]. The [[play]] and [[social]] life comes next, with the school last but equally indispensable in a [[complex]] and highly [[organized]] [[society]].
81:6.24 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insects Insects] are [[born]] fully educated and equipped for life—indeed, a very narrow and [[purely]] [[instinctive]] [[existence]]. The human baby is born without an [[education]]; therefore man possesses the [[power]], by controlling the educational [[training]] of the younger [[generation]], greatly to [[modify]] the [[evolutionary]] [[course]] of [[civilization]].
81:6.25 The greatest [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Century twentieth-century] [[influences]] contributing to the furtherance of [[civilization]] and the advancement of [[culture]] are the marked increase in world [[travel]] and the unparalleled improvements in [[methods]] of [[communication]]. But the improvement in [[education]] has not kept pace with the expanding [[social]] [[structure]]; neither has the [[modern]] [[appreciation]] of [[ethics]] developed in [[correspondence]] with [[growth]] along more purely [[intellectual]] and [[scientific]] lines. And modern [[civilization]] is at a standstill in [[spiritual]] [[development]] and the safeguarding of the [[home]] [[institution]].
81:6.26 9. ''The racial ideals''. The [[ideals]] of one [[generation]] carve out the [[channels]] of [[destiny]] for immediate posterity. The [[quality]] of the social torchbearers will determine whether [[civilization]] goes forward or backward. The [[homes]], churches, and schools of one [[generation]] predetermine the [[character]] [[trend]] of the [[succeeding]] [[generation]]. The [[moral]] and [[spiritual]] [[momentum]] of a race or a nation largely determines the [[cultural]] [[velocity]] of that [[civilization]].
81:6.27 [[Ideals]] elevate the [[source]] of the [[social]] [[stream]]. And no stream will rise any higher than its source no matter what [[technique]] of [[pressure]] or directional [[control]] may be employed. The driving power of even the most [[material]] aspects of a [[cultural]] [[civilization]] is resident in the least [[material]] of [[society]]'s [[achievements]]. [[Intelligence]] may [[control]] the [[mechanism]] of [[civilization]], [[wisdom]] may direct it, but [[spiritual]] [[idealism]] is the [[energy]] which really uplifts and advances [[human]] [[culture]] from one [[level]] of [[attainment]] to another.
81:6.28 At first life was a [[struggle]] for [[existence]]; now, for a [[standard of living]]; next it will be for [[quality]] of [[thinking]], the coming earthly goal of [[human]] [[existence]].
81:6.29 10. ''Co-ordination of specialists''. [[Civilization]] has been enormously advanced by the early division of labor and by its later corollary of specialization. Civilization is now dependent on the [[effective]] [[co-ordination]] of specialists. As [[society]] expands, some [[method]] of drawing [[together]] the various specialists must be found.
81:6.30 [[Social]], [[artistic]], [[technical]], and [[industrial]] specialists will continue to multiply and increase in [[skill]] and dexterity. And this [[diversification]] of [[ability]] and dissimilarity of employment will [[eventually]] weaken and disintegrate [[human]] [[society]] if [[effective]] means of [[co-ordination]] and [[co-operation]] are not [[developed]]. But the [[intelligence]] which is capable of such inventiveness and such specialization should be wholly competent to devise adequate [[methods]] of [[control]] and [[adjustment]] for all [[problems]] resulting from the rapid [[growth]] of [[invention]] and the [[accelerated]] [[pace]] of cultural expansion.
81:6.31 11. ''Place-finding devices''. The next [[age]] of [[social]] [[development]] will be embodied in a better and more [[effective]] [[co-operation]] and [[co-ordination]] of ever-increasing and expanding specialization. And as labor more and more diversifies, some [[technique]] for directing [[individuals]] to suitable employment must be devised. [[Machinery]] is not the only cause for unemployment among the civilized peoples of [[Urantia]]. [[Economic]] [[complexity]] and the steady increase of [[industrial]] and [[professional]] specialism add to the [[problems]] of labor placement.
81:6.32 It is not enough to train men for [[work]]; in a [[complex]] [[society]] there must also be provided [[efficient]] [[methods]] of place finding. Before [[training]] [[citizens]] in the highly specialized [[techniques]] of earning a living, they should be [[trained]] in one or more [[methods]] of commonplace labor, trades or callings which could be utilized when they were transiently unemployed in their specialized [[work]]. No [[civilization]] can [[survive]] the long-time harboring of large classes of unemployed. In time, even the best of [[citizens]] will become distorted and demoralized by [[accepting]] [[support]] from the [[public]] treasury. Even [[private]] [[charity]] becomes pernicious when long extended to able-bodied [[citizens]].
81:6.33 Such a highly specialized [[society]] will not take kindly to the [[ancient]] [[communal]] and [[feudal]] [[practices]] of olden peoples. True, many common services can be acceptably and profitably socialized, but highly [[trained]] and ultraspecialized [[human beings]] can best be managed by some [[technique]] of [[intelligent]] [[co-operation]]. [[Modernized]] co-ordination and fraternal [[regulation]] will be productive of longer-lived [[co-operation]] than will the older and more [[primitive]] [[methods]] of [[communism]] or dictatorial regulative [[institutions]] based on [[force]].
81:6.34 12. ''The willingness to co-operate''. One of the great hindrances to the [[progress]] of [[human]] [[society]] is the [[conflict]] between the interests and welfare of the larger, more socialized [[human]] groups and of the smaller, [[contrary]]-minded asocial associations of mankind, not to mention antisocially-minded single [[individuals]].
81:6.35 No [[national]] [[civilization]] long endures unless its [[educational]] [[methods]] and [[religious]] [[ideals]] inspire a high type of [[intelligent]] [[patriotism]] and [[national]] [[devotion]]. Without this sort of [[intelligent]] [[patriotism]] and cultural [[solidarity]], all nations tend to disintegrate as a result of provincial [[jealousies]] and local self-interests.
81:6.36 The [[maintenance]] of world-wide [[civilization]] is dependent on [[human beings]] learning how to live [[together]] in [[peace]] and fraternity. Without [[effective]] [[co-ordination]], [[industrial]] [[civilization]] is jeopardized by the [[dangers]] of ultraspecialization: monotony, narrowness, and the [[tendency]] to breed distrust and [[jealousy]].
81:6.37 13.''Effective and wise leadership''. In [[civilization]] much, very much, depends on an [[enthusiastic]] and [[effective]] load-pulling [[spirit]]. Ten men are of little more [[value]] than one in lifting a great load unless they lift [[together]]—all at the same [[moment]]. And such teamwork—social [[co-operation]]—is dependent on [[leadership]]. The cultural [[civilizations]] of the [[past]] and the present have been based upon the [[intelligent]] [[co-operation]] of the citizenry with [[wise]] and [[progressive]] leaders; and until man evolves to higher levels, [[civilization]] will continue to be dependent on wise and [[vigorous]] [[leadership]].
81:6.38 High civilizations are born of the [[sagacious]] correlation of [[material]] [[wealth]], [[intellectual]] greatness, [[moral]] [[worth]], social cleverness, and [[cosmic]] [[insight]].
81:6.39 14. ''Social changes''. [[Society]] is not a [[divine]] [[institution]]; it is a [[phenomenon]] of [[progressive]] [[evolution]]; and advancing [[civilization]] is always delayed when its [[leaders]] are slow in making those [[changes]] in the [[social]] [[organization]] which are [[essential]] to keeping [[pace]] with the [[scientific]] [[developments]] of the age. For all that, [[things]] must not be despised just because they are old, neither should an [[idea]] be unconditionally [[embraced]] just because it is [[novel]] and new.
81:6.40 Man should be unafraid to [[experiment]] with the [[mechanisms]] of [[society]]. But always should these [[adventures]] in [[cultural]] [[adjustment]] be controlled by those who are fully conversant with the [[history]] of [[social]] [[evolution]]; and always should these innovators be [[counsel]]ed by the [[wisdom]] of those who have had [[practical]] [[experience]] in the [[domains]] of contemplated [[social]] or [[economic]] [[experiment]]. No great social or economic change should be attempted suddenly. [[Time]] is [[essential]] to all [[types]] of [[human]] [[adjustment]]—[[physical]], [[social]], or [[economic]]. Only [[moral]] and [[spiritual]] [[adjustments]] can be made on the spur of the moment, and even these require the passing of time for the full outworking of their [[material]] and [[social]] [[repercussions]]. The [[ideals]] of the [[race]] are the chief [[support]] and [[assurance]] during the [[critical]] times when [[civilization]] is in transit from one [[level]] to another.
81:6.41 15. ''The prevention of transitional breakdown''. [[Society]] is the offspring of age upon age of [[trial and error]]; it is what [[survived]] the selective [[adjustments]] and readjustments in the [[successive]] [[stages]] of mankind's agelong rise from [[animal]] to [[human]] levels of [[planetary]] [[status]]. The great [[danger]] to any [[civilization]]—at any one [[moment]]—is the threat of breakdown during the time of [[transition]] from the [[established]] [[methods]] of the [[past]] to those new and better, but untried, [[procedures]] of the [[future]].
81:6.42 [[Leadership]] is vital to [[progress]]. [[Wisdom]], [[insight]], and [[foresight]] are indispensable to the [[endurance]] of [[nations]]. [[Civilization]] is never really jeopardized until able [[leadership]] begins to vanish. And the [[quantity]] of such [[wise]] [[leadership]] has never exceeded one per cent of the [[population]].
81:6.43 And it was by these rungs on the [[evolutionary]] ladder that [[civilization]] climbed to that place where those mighty [[influences]] could be [[initiated]] which have culminated in the rapidly expanding [[culture]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Century twentieth century]. And only by [[adherence]] to these [[essentials]] can man [[hope]] to [[maintain]] his present-day [[civilizations]] while providing for their continued [[development]] and certain [[survival]].
81:6.44 This is the gist of the long, long [[struggle]] of the peoples of [[earth]] to [[establish]] [[civilization]] since the age of [[Adam]]. Present-day [[culture]] is the net result of this strenuous [[evolution]]. Before the [[discovery]] of [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing_press printing], [[progress]] was [[relatively]] slow since one [[generation]] could not so rapidly benefit from the [[achievements]] of its predecessors. But now [[human]] [[society]] is plunging forward under the [[force]] of the accumulated [[momentum]] of all the ages through which [[civilization]] has struggled.
81:6.45 Sponsored by an [[Archangel]] of [[Nebadon]].
<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_81 Go to Paper 81]</center>
<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>
[[Category:Paper 81 - Development of Modern Civilization]]
81:6.1 While [[biologic]] [[evolution]] has proceeded ever upward, much of [[cultural]] [[evolution]] went out from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrates Euphrates valley] in [[waves]], which successively weakened as [[time]] passed until finally the whole of the [[pure]]-line [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:4._THE_VIOLET_RACE Adamic] [[posterity]] had gone forth to enrich the [[civilizations]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia Asia] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe]. The races did not fully blend, but their [[civilizations]] did to a considerable extent mix. [[Culture]] did slowly spread throughout the world. And this [[civilization]] must be [[maintained]] and fostered, for there exist today no new [[sources]] of [[culture]], no [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] to invigorate and [[stimulate]] the slow [[progress]] of the [[evolution]] of [[civilization]].
81:6.2 The [[civilization]] which is now [[evolving]] on [[Urantia]] grew out of, and is predicated on, the following [[factors]]:
81:6.3 1. ''Natural circumstances''. The [[nature]] and extent of a [[material]] [[civilization]] is in large [[measure]] determined by the [[natural]] [[resources]] available. [[Climate]], [[weather]], and numerous [[physical]] conditions are factors in the [[evolution]] of [[culture]].
81:6.4 At the opening of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] era there were only two extensive and fertile open [[hunting]] areas in all the world. One was in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North America] and was overspread by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas Amerinds]; the other was to the north of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkestan Turkestan] and was partly occupied by an [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64#64:1._THE_ANDONIC_ABORIGINES Andonic]-yellow race. The decisive [[factors]] in the [[evolution]] of a superior [[culture]] in southwestern Asia were [[race]] and [[climate]]. The [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] were a great people, but the crucial [[factor]] in determining the [[course]] of their [[civilization]] was the increasing [[aridity]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran Iran], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkestan Turkestan], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinkiang Sinkiang], which forced them to [[invent]] and [[adopt]] new and advanced [[methods]] of wresting a livelihood from their decreasingly [[fertile]] [[lands]].
81:6.5 The [[configuration]] of [[continents]] and other [[land]]-arrangement situations are very [[influential]] in determining [[peace]] or [[war]]. Very few Urantians have ever had such a favorable [[opportunity]] for continuous and unmolested [[development]] as has been enjoyed by the [[peoples]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North America]—protected on practically all sides by vast [[oceans]].
81:6.6 2. ''Capital goods''. [[Culture]] is never developed under conditions of [[poverty]]; [[leisure]] is [[essential]] to the [[progress]] of [[civilization]]. [[Individual]] [[character]] of [[moral]] and [[spiritual]] [[value]] may be acquired in the [[absence]] of [[material]] [[wealth]], but a cultural [[civilization]] is only derived from those conditions of [[material]] [[prosperity]] which foster [[leisure]] combined with [[ambition]].
81:6.7 During [[primitive]] times life on [[Urantia]] was a serious and sober [[business]]. And it was to [[escape]] this incessant [[struggle]] and interminable toil that [[mankind]] constantly tended to drift toward the salubrious [[climate]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropics tropics]. While these warmer zones of habitation afforded some remission from the [[intense]] [[struggle]] for [[existence]], the races and [[tribes]] who thus sought ease seldom utilized their unearned [[leisure]] for the advancement of [[civilization]]. [[Social]] [[progress]] has invariably come from the [[thoughts]] and [[plans]] of those races that have, by their [[intelligent]] toil, learned how to wrest a living from the [[land]] with lessened [[effort]] and shortened days of [[labor]] and thus have been able to [[enjoy]] a well-earned and profitable margin of [[leisure]].
81:6.8 3. ''Scientific knowledge''. The [[material]] aspects of [[civilization]] must always await the accumulation of [[scientific]] [[data]]. It was a long time after the [[discovery]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_and_arrow bow and arrow] and the utilization of [[animals]] for [[power]] [[purposes]] before man learned how to harness [[wind]] and [[water]], to be followed by the employment of [[steam]] and [[electricity]]. But slowly the [[tools]] of [[civilization]] improved. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weaving Weaving], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery pottery], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestication domestication] of animals, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallurgy metalworking] were followed by an age of [[writing]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing printing].
81:6.9 [[Knowledge]] is [[power]]. [[Invention]] always precedes the [[acceleration]] of [[cultural]] [[development]] on a world-wide [[scale]]. [[Science]] and [[invention]] benefited most of all from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing_Press printing press], and the interaction of all these [[cultural]] and inventive [[activities]] has enormously [[accelerated]] the [[rate]] of cultural advancement.
81:6.10 [[Science]] teaches man to speak the new [[language]] of [[mathematics]] and trains his [[thoughts]] along lines of exacting [[precision]]. And science also stabilizes [[philosophy]] through the elimination of [[error]], while it purifies [[religion]] by the destruction of [[superstition]].
81:6.11 4. ''Human resources''. Man power is indispensable to the spread of [[civilization]]. All [[things]] [[equal]], a numerous people will [[dominate]] the [[civilization]] of a smaller race. Hence failure to increase in [[numbers]] up to a certain point prevents the full [[realization]] of [[national]] [[destiny]], but there comes a point in [[population]] increase where further [[growth]] is [[suicidal]]. Multiplication of numbers beyond the optimum of the [[normal]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man-land_ratio man-land ratio] means either a lowering of the [[standards of living]] or an [[immediate]] expansion of territorial boundaries by peaceful penetration or by [[military]] [[conquest]], forcible occupation.
81:6.12 You are sometimes shocked at the ravages of [[war]], but you should [[recognize]] the [[necessity]] for producing large [[numbers]] of [[mortals]] so as to afford ample [[opportunity]] for [[social]] and [[moral]] [[development]]; with such planetary [[fertility]] there soon occurs the serious [[problem]] of overpopulation. Most of the [[inhabited worlds]] are small. [[Urantia]] is [[average]], perhaps a trifle undersized. The optimum [[stabilization]] of national [[population]] enhances [[culture]] and prevents [[war]]. And it is a [[wise]] nation which knows when to cease growing.
81:6.13 But the [[continent]] richest in [[natural]] deposits and the most advanced [[mechanical]] equipment will make little [[progress]] if the [[intelligence]] of its people is on the decline. [[Knowledge]] can be had by [[education]], but [[wisdom]], which is indispensable to true [[culture]], can be secured only through [[experience]] and by men and women who are [[innately]] [[intelligent]]. Such a people are able to learn from [[experience]]; they may become truly wise.
81:6.14 5. ''Effectiveness of material resources''. Much depends on the [[wisdom]] displayed in the utilization of [[natural]] [[resources]], [[scientific]] [[knowledge]], [[capital]] goods, and [[human]] [[potentials]]. The chief [[factor]] in early [[civilization]] was the [[force]] exerted by wise social masters; [[primitive]] man had [[civilization]] [[literally]] thrust upon him by his superior contemporaries. Well-[[organized]] and superior [[minorities]] have largely ruled this world.
81:6.15 Might does not make right, but might does make what is and what has been in [[history]]. Only recently has [[Urantia]] reached that point where [[society]] is willing to [[debate]] the [[ethics]] of might and right.
81:6.16 6. ''Effectiveness of language''. The spread of [[civilization]] must wait upon [[language]]. Live and growing languages insure the expansion of civilized [[thinking]] and [[planning]]. During the early ages important advances were made in [[language]]. Today, there is great need for further [[linguistic]] [[development]] to [[facilitate]] the [[expression]] of evolving [[thought]].
81:6.17 [[Language]] evolved out of group [[associations]], each local group [[developing]] its own [[system]] of [[word]] exchange. [[Language]] grew up through [[gestures]], signs, cries, imitative [[sounds]], intonation, and accent to the vocalization of subsequent [[alphabets]]. Language is man's greatest and most serviceable [[thinking]] [[tool]], but it never flourished until [[social]] [[groups]] acquired some [[leisure]]. The [[tendency]] to [[play]] with [[language]] [[develops]] new [[words]]—[[slang]]. If the [[majority]] adopt the slang, then usage [[constitutes]] it language. The [[origin]] of [[dialects]] is [[illustrated]] by the indulgence in "baby talk" in a [[family]] [[group]].
81:6.18 [[Language]] [[differences]] have ever been the great barrier to the extension of [[peace]]. The [[conquest]] of [[dialects]] must precede the spread of a [[culture]] throughout a race, over a [[continent]], or to a whole world. A [[universal]] [[language]] promotes [[peace]], insures [[culture]], and augments [[happiness]]. Even when the tongues of a world are reduced to a few, the mastery of these by the [[leading]] [[cultural]] peoples mightily [[influences]] the achievement of world-wide [[peace]] and [[prosperity]].
81:6.19 While very little [[progress]] has been made on [[Urantia]] toward [[developing]] an international language, much has been accomplished by the [[establishment]] of international [[commercial]] exchange. And all these international [[relations]] should be fostered, whether they involve [[language]], [[trade]], art, [[science]], competitive [[play]], or [[religion]].
81:6.20 7. ''Effectiveness of mechanical devices''. The [[progress]] of [[civilization]] is directly related to the [[development]] and [[possession]] of [[tools]], [[machines]], and channels of [[distribution]]. Improved tools, ingenious and [[efficient]] [[machines]], determine the [[survival]] of contending [[groups]] in the arena of advancing [[civilization]].
81:6.21 In the early days the only [[energy]] applied to [[land]] cultivation was man power. It was a long [[struggle]] to substitute oxen for men since this threw men out of employment. Latterly, [[machines]] have begun to displace men, and every such advance is directly contributory to the [[progress]] of [[society]] because it [[liberates]] man power for the accomplishment of more valuable tasks.
81:6.22 [[Science]], guided by [[wisdom]], may become man's great social [[liberator]]. A [[mechanical]] age can prove disastrous only to a nation whose [[intellectual]] level is too low to [[discover]] those [[wise]] [[methods]] and sound [[techniques]] for successfully [[adjusting]] to the [[transition]] difficulties arising from the sudden loss of employment by large numbers consequent upon the too rapid [[invention]] of new types of laborsaving [[machinery]].
81:6.23 8. ''Character of torchbearers''. [[Social]] inheritance enables man to stand on the shoulders of all who have preceded him, and who have [[contributed]] aught to the sum of [[culture]] and [[knowledge]]. In this [[work]] of passing on the cultural torch to the next [[generation]], the [[home]] will ever be the basic [[institution]]. The [[play]] and [[social]] life comes next, with the school last but equally indispensable in a [[complex]] and highly [[organized]] [[society]].
81:6.24 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insects Insects] are [[born]] fully educated and equipped for life—indeed, a very narrow and [[purely]] [[instinctive]] [[existence]]. The human baby is born without an [[education]]; therefore man possesses the [[power]], by controlling the educational [[training]] of the younger [[generation]], greatly to [[modify]] the [[evolutionary]] [[course]] of [[civilization]].
81:6.25 The greatest [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Century twentieth-century] [[influences]] contributing to the furtherance of [[civilization]] and the advancement of [[culture]] are the marked increase in world [[travel]] and the unparalleled improvements in [[methods]] of [[communication]]. But the improvement in [[education]] has not kept pace with the expanding [[social]] [[structure]]; neither has the [[modern]] [[appreciation]] of [[ethics]] developed in [[correspondence]] with [[growth]] along more purely [[intellectual]] and [[scientific]] lines. And modern [[civilization]] is at a standstill in [[spiritual]] [[development]] and the safeguarding of the [[home]] [[institution]].
81:6.26 9. ''The racial ideals''. The [[ideals]] of one [[generation]] carve out the [[channels]] of [[destiny]] for immediate posterity. The [[quality]] of the social torchbearers will determine whether [[civilization]] goes forward or backward. The [[homes]], churches, and schools of one [[generation]] predetermine the [[character]] [[trend]] of the [[succeeding]] [[generation]]. The [[moral]] and [[spiritual]] [[momentum]] of a race or a nation largely determines the [[cultural]] [[velocity]] of that [[civilization]].
81:6.27 [[Ideals]] elevate the [[source]] of the [[social]] [[stream]]. And no stream will rise any higher than its source no matter what [[technique]] of [[pressure]] or directional [[control]] may be employed. The driving power of even the most [[material]] aspects of a [[cultural]] [[civilization]] is resident in the least [[material]] of [[society]]'s [[achievements]]. [[Intelligence]] may [[control]] the [[mechanism]] of [[civilization]], [[wisdom]] may direct it, but [[spiritual]] [[idealism]] is the [[energy]] which really uplifts and advances [[human]] [[culture]] from one [[level]] of [[attainment]] to another.
81:6.28 At first life was a [[struggle]] for [[existence]]; now, for a [[standard of living]]; next it will be for [[quality]] of [[thinking]], the coming earthly goal of [[human]] [[existence]].
81:6.29 10. ''Co-ordination of specialists''. [[Civilization]] has been enormously advanced by the early division of labor and by its later corollary of specialization. Civilization is now dependent on the [[effective]] [[co-ordination]] of specialists. As [[society]] expands, some [[method]] of drawing [[together]] the various specialists must be found.
81:6.30 [[Social]], [[artistic]], [[technical]], and [[industrial]] specialists will continue to multiply and increase in [[skill]] and dexterity. And this [[diversification]] of [[ability]] and dissimilarity of employment will [[eventually]] weaken and disintegrate [[human]] [[society]] if [[effective]] means of [[co-ordination]] and [[co-operation]] are not [[developed]]. But the [[intelligence]] which is capable of such inventiveness and such specialization should be wholly competent to devise adequate [[methods]] of [[control]] and [[adjustment]] for all [[problems]] resulting from the rapid [[growth]] of [[invention]] and the [[accelerated]] [[pace]] of cultural expansion.
81:6.31 11. ''Place-finding devices''. The next [[age]] of [[social]] [[development]] will be embodied in a better and more [[effective]] [[co-operation]] and [[co-ordination]] of ever-increasing and expanding specialization. And as labor more and more diversifies, some [[technique]] for directing [[individuals]] to suitable employment must be devised. [[Machinery]] is not the only cause for unemployment among the civilized peoples of [[Urantia]]. [[Economic]] [[complexity]] and the steady increase of [[industrial]] and [[professional]] specialism add to the [[problems]] of labor placement.
81:6.32 It is not enough to train men for [[work]]; in a [[complex]] [[society]] there must also be provided [[efficient]] [[methods]] of place finding. Before [[training]] [[citizens]] in the highly specialized [[techniques]] of earning a living, they should be [[trained]] in one or more [[methods]] of commonplace labor, trades or callings which could be utilized when they were transiently unemployed in their specialized [[work]]. No [[civilization]] can [[survive]] the long-time harboring of large classes of unemployed. In time, even the best of [[citizens]] will become distorted and demoralized by [[accepting]] [[support]] from the [[public]] treasury. Even [[private]] [[charity]] becomes pernicious when long extended to able-bodied [[citizens]].
81:6.33 Such a highly specialized [[society]] will not take kindly to the [[ancient]] [[communal]] and [[feudal]] [[practices]] of olden peoples. True, many common services can be acceptably and profitably socialized, but highly [[trained]] and ultraspecialized [[human beings]] can best be managed by some [[technique]] of [[intelligent]] [[co-operation]]. [[Modernized]] co-ordination and fraternal [[regulation]] will be productive of longer-lived [[co-operation]] than will the older and more [[primitive]] [[methods]] of [[communism]] or dictatorial regulative [[institutions]] based on [[force]].
81:6.34 12. ''The willingness to co-operate''. One of the great hindrances to the [[progress]] of [[human]] [[society]] is the [[conflict]] between the interests and welfare of the larger, more socialized [[human]] groups and of the smaller, [[contrary]]-minded asocial associations of mankind, not to mention antisocially-minded single [[individuals]].
81:6.35 No [[national]] [[civilization]] long endures unless its [[educational]] [[methods]] and [[religious]] [[ideals]] inspire a high type of [[intelligent]] [[patriotism]] and [[national]] [[devotion]]. Without this sort of [[intelligent]] [[patriotism]] and cultural [[solidarity]], all nations tend to disintegrate as a result of provincial [[jealousies]] and local self-interests.
81:6.36 The [[maintenance]] of world-wide [[civilization]] is dependent on [[human beings]] learning how to live [[together]] in [[peace]] and fraternity. Without [[effective]] [[co-ordination]], [[industrial]] [[civilization]] is jeopardized by the [[dangers]] of ultraspecialization: monotony, narrowness, and the [[tendency]] to breed distrust and [[jealousy]].
81:6.37 13.''Effective and wise leadership''. In [[civilization]] much, very much, depends on an [[enthusiastic]] and [[effective]] load-pulling [[spirit]]. Ten men are of little more [[value]] than one in lifting a great load unless they lift [[together]]—all at the same [[moment]]. And such teamwork—social [[co-operation]]—is dependent on [[leadership]]. The cultural [[civilizations]] of the [[past]] and the present have been based upon the [[intelligent]] [[co-operation]] of the citizenry with [[wise]] and [[progressive]] leaders; and until man evolves to higher levels, [[civilization]] will continue to be dependent on wise and [[vigorous]] [[leadership]].
81:6.38 High civilizations are born of the [[sagacious]] correlation of [[material]] [[wealth]], [[intellectual]] greatness, [[moral]] [[worth]], social cleverness, and [[cosmic]] [[insight]].
81:6.39 14. ''Social changes''. [[Society]] is not a [[divine]] [[institution]]; it is a [[phenomenon]] of [[progressive]] [[evolution]]; and advancing [[civilization]] is always delayed when its [[leaders]] are slow in making those [[changes]] in the [[social]] [[organization]] which are [[essential]] to keeping [[pace]] with the [[scientific]] [[developments]] of the age. For all that, [[things]] must not be despised just because they are old, neither should an [[idea]] be unconditionally [[embraced]] just because it is [[novel]] and new.
81:6.40 Man should be unafraid to [[experiment]] with the [[mechanisms]] of [[society]]. But always should these [[adventures]] in [[cultural]] [[adjustment]] be controlled by those who are fully conversant with the [[history]] of [[social]] [[evolution]]; and always should these innovators be [[counsel]]ed by the [[wisdom]] of those who have had [[practical]] [[experience]] in the [[domains]] of contemplated [[social]] or [[economic]] [[experiment]]. No great social or economic change should be attempted suddenly. [[Time]] is [[essential]] to all [[types]] of [[human]] [[adjustment]]—[[physical]], [[social]], or [[economic]]. Only [[moral]] and [[spiritual]] [[adjustments]] can be made on the spur of the moment, and even these require the passing of time for the full outworking of their [[material]] and [[social]] [[repercussions]]. The [[ideals]] of the [[race]] are the chief [[support]] and [[assurance]] during the [[critical]] times when [[civilization]] is in transit from one [[level]] to another.
81:6.41 15. ''The prevention of transitional breakdown''. [[Society]] is the offspring of age upon age of [[trial and error]]; it is what [[survived]] the selective [[adjustments]] and readjustments in the [[successive]] [[stages]] of mankind's agelong rise from [[animal]] to [[human]] levels of [[planetary]] [[status]]. The great [[danger]] to any [[civilization]]—at any one [[moment]]—is the threat of breakdown during the time of [[transition]] from the [[established]] [[methods]] of the [[past]] to those new and better, but untried, [[procedures]] of the [[future]].
81:6.42 [[Leadership]] is vital to [[progress]]. [[Wisdom]], [[insight]], and [[foresight]] are indispensable to the [[endurance]] of [[nations]]. [[Civilization]] is never really jeopardized until able [[leadership]] begins to vanish. And the [[quantity]] of such [[wise]] [[leadership]] has never exceeded one per cent of the [[population]].
81:6.43 And it was by these rungs on the [[evolutionary]] ladder that [[civilization]] climbed to that place where those mighty [[influences]] could be [[initiated]] which have culminated in the rapidly expanding [[culture]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Century twentieth century]. And only by [[adherence]] to these [[essentials]] can man [[hope]] to [[maintain]] his present-day [[civilizations]] while providing for their continued [[development]] and certain [[survival]].
81:6.44 This is the gist of the long, long [[struggle]] of the peoples of [[earth]] to [[establish]] [[civilization]] since the age of [[Adam]]. Present-day [[culture]] is the net result of this strenuous [[evolution]]. Before the [[discovery]] of [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing_press printing], [[progress]] was [[relatively]] slow since one [[generation]] could not so rapidly benefit from the [[achievements]] of its predecessors. But now [[human]] [[society]] is plunging forward under the [[force]] of the accumulated [[momentum]] of all the ages through which [[civilization]] has struggled.
81:6.45 Sponsored by an [[Archangel]] of [[Nebadon]].
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[[Category:Paper 81 - Development of Modern Civilization]]
