The primitive tribes permitted far less individual freedom than does modern society. Ancient wars were committed with far less moral justification than modern ones. A technology that produces debris can find, and is finding, ways of disposing of it without ecological upset. And the schoolbook pictures of primitive man sometimes omit some of the detractions of his primitive life - the pain, the disease, famine, the hard labor needed just to stay alive. From that agony of bare existence to modern life can be soberly described only as upward progress, and the sole agent for this progress is quite clearly reason itself. Robert M. Pirsig
About This Quote

The statement, “The primitive tribes permitted far less individual freedom than does modern society,” is a common misconception. In fact, certain primitive tribes did not permit their members to express individuality in any way. The idea that humans did not stand up for themselves is a myth that has been created by various people. Of course, the idea that humans did not stand up for themselves is a myth that has been created by various people. In truth, humans have always fought their battles and stood up to fight for what they believe in.

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