The Descent of Man

to your enemy has rarely been thought a sin, as
the history of modern diplomacy too plainly
shews. As soon as a tribe has a recognised leader,
disobedience becomes a crime, and even
abject submission is looked at as a sacred virtue.
As during rude times no man can be useful or
faithful to his tribe without courage, this quality
has universally been placed in the highest
rank; and although in civilised countries a good
yet timid man may be far more useful to the
community than a brave one, we cannot help
instinctively honouring the latter above a coward,
however benevolent. Prudence, on the
other hand, which does not concern the welfare
of others, though a very useful virtue, has never
been highly esteemed. As no man can practise
the virtues necessary for the welfare of his
tribe without self-sacrifice, self- command, and
the power of endurance, these qualities have
been at all times highly and most justly valued.