Ascent Quote by Arthur Keith
“Civilization, we shall find, like Universalism and Christianity, is anti evolutionary in its effects; it works against the laws and conditions which regulated the earlier stages of man's ascent.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Evolution of Human Nature, 1949
Human societies can hinder natural progress by imposing rigid structures that oppose earlier adaptive stages.
In simple terms: Civilizations may block natural human development.
Key Takeaway
Beware of institutions that stifle growth.
Themes
civil
progress
institutional critique
evolutionary theory
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- community building
- organizational change
Key Concepts
Social evolution
cultural inertia
systems theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern institutions reflect ancient constraints?
- What reforms can align society with human evolution?
A Different Perspective
Not all cultural traditions are beneficial; some may preserve harmful practices.
