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The Descent of Man

The Descent of Man

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<strong>The</strong> American savage voluntarily submits to<br />

the most horrid tortures without a groan, to<br />

prove and strengthen his fortitude and courage;<br />

and we cannot help admiring him, or even an<br />

Indian Fakir, who, from a foolish religious motive,<br />

swings suspended by a hook buried in his<br />

flesh.<br />

<strong>The</strong> other so-called self-regarding virtues,<br />

which do not obviously, though they may really,<br />

affect the welfare <strong>of</strong> the tribe, have never<br />

been esteemed by savages, though now highly<br />

appreciated by civilised nations. <strong>The</strong> greatest<br />

intemperance is no reproach with savages. Utter<br />

licentiousness, and unnatural crimes, prevail<br />

to an astounding extent. (36. Mr. M'Lennan<br />

has given ('Primitive Marriage,' 1865, p. 176) a<br />

good collection <strong>of</strong> facts on this head.) As soon,<br />

however, as marriage, whether polygamous, or<br />

monogamous, becomes common, jealousy will<br />

lead to the inculcation <strong>of</strong> female virtue; and<br />

this, being honoured, will tend to spread to the

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