Harvard-Trained Trauma Expert | Award-winning Psychotherapist | Public Health Practitioner | Global Health Strategy Consultant | Corporate Wellness Expert | Bush Foundation Fellow | Education System Mental Health Expert
What a powerful perspective from Margaret Mead! It's fascinating to think about how she believes the first sign of civilization in a culture is not related to tangible objects, but rather the compassion and care shown towards others. The image of a broken femur that has healed serves as a symbol of the support and assistance provided to someone who has fallen. Mead's words remind us that true civilization and our own personal growth occur when we selflessly serve and help others in their time of need. It's a lovely reminder to always strive to be at our best by extending a helping hand to those around us. “Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal. A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said. We are at our best when we serve others.” Credit:@Ira Byock
