the essential
points of discrimination between barbarism and civilization. While
ethical practice began at a very early period in the progress of man,
it was a long time before any distinct ethical code became established.
But the completed civilization does not exist until a high order of
moral practice obtains; no civilization can long prevail without it.
Of less importance, but of no less binding force, is (4) the _social
code_, which represents the forms and conventionalities of society,
built, it is true, largely upon the caprices of fashion, and varying
greatly in different communities, yet more arbitrary, if possible, than
the moral code. It considers fitness and consistency in conduct, and
as such is an important consideration in social usage and social
progress. In Europe it has its extreme in the court etiquette; in
America, in the punctiliousness of the higher social classes of our
large cities. But it affects all communities, and its observance may
be noted in rural districts as well as in the city population.

The mores, or customs, of man began at a very early time and have been
a persistent ruling power in human conduct. Through tradition they are
handed down from generation to generation, to be observed with more or
less fidelity as a guide to the art of living. Every community,
whether primitive or developed, is controlled to a great extent by the
prevailing custom. It is common for individuals and families to do as
their ancestors did. This habit is frequently carried to such an
extent that the deeds of the fathers are held sacred from which no one
dare to depart. Isolated communities continue year after year to do
things because they had always done so, {12} holding strictly to the
ruling custom founded on tradition, even when some better way was at
hand. A rare example of this human trait is given by Captain Donald
MacMillan, who recently returned from Arctic Greenland. He said: "We
took two ultra-modern developments, motion pictures and radio, direct
to a people who live and think as their ancestors did two thousand
years ago." He was asked: "What did they think?" He replied: "I do
not know." Probably it was a case of wonder without thought. While
this is a dominant force which makes for the unity and perpetuity of
the group, it is only by departure from established tradition that
progress is made possible.

Civilization involves (5) _government and law_. The tribes and nations
in