Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

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CHAPTER VIII
VII. THE LAW OF PROGRESS
1. STATE OF NATURE - 2. MARCH OF PROGRESS
- 3. DEGENERATE PEOPLES - 4. CIVILISATION
- 5. PROGRESS OF HUMAN LEGISLATION
- 6. INFLUENCE OF SPIRITISM UPON PROGRESS.
State of Nature.
776. Are the state of nature and the law of nature the same thing?
"No; the state of nature is the primitive state. Civilisation is incompatible with the state of
nature, while the law of nature contributes to the progress of the human race."
The "state of nature" is the infancy of the human race, and the starting point of its intellectual and moral
development. Man, being perfectible, and containing in himself the germ of his amelioration, is no more
destined to live for ever in the state of nature, than he is destined to live for ever in the state of infancy;
the state of nature is transitory, and man outgrows it through progress and civilisation. The "law of
nature," on the contrary, rules the human race throughout its entire career; and men improve in
proportion as they comprehend this law more clearly, and conform their action more closely to its
requirements.
777. Man, in the state of nature, having fewer wants, escapes many of the tribulations he
creates for himself in a state of greater advancement. What is to be thought of the opinion of
those who regard the former state as being that of the most perfect felicity obtainable upon
the earth?
"Such felicity is that of the brute; but there are persons who understand no other, It is being
happy after the fashion of the brutes. Children, too, are happier than grown-up people."
778. Could mankind retrograde towards the slate of nature?
"No; mankind must progress unceasingly, and cannot return to the state of infancy. If men
have to progress, it is because God so wills it; to suppose that they could retrograde towards
the primitive condition would be to deny the law of progress."