Buku
A short history of civilization
WHOEVER would seek the origin of things that in countless ways control mankind begins an arduous task. One can readily tell when the radio, motion picture, airplane, or automobile appeared, for he well remembers the time he saw the first of these or at least can talk with people who saw the first ones. But it is more difficult to imagine the days when the internal-combustion engine was produced when electricity was applied to machinery, when the sewing machine was invented, or when the first steam engine was constructed. Still more difficult is it to ascertain when the telescope and microscope appeared, who invented the printing press, or when the compass was first used. If one continues his quest, he soon discovers that all the things which he has taken for granted had a beginning. He learns that there was a time when the English language did not exist, when the Christian faith was yet unknown, when there was no agriculture, when animals had not yet been domesticated, when man did not even know how to make fire. To study these matters requires time and energy; but it is well worth the effort, for such study concerns all we deem sig- nificant in the history of culture and makes us intelligent participants in our civilization.
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