Many years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead asked students what they thought was the first sign of civilization. Students expected Mead to talk about fishing hooks, clay pots, or processed stones.

But not. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in ancient culture is a hip bone that was broken and then crushed. Mead explained that if a living creature in the animal kingdom breaks a leg, it dies. With a broken leg, it cannot escape the danger, get to the river to get drunk or hunt for food. It becomes a prey for predators, as the bone grows quite long.

The hip bone that was broken and then shaken is proof that someone spent time staying with the person who received the injury, bound the wounds, moved the person to a safe place and guarded him until he recovered. Helping another person during a difficult period is the act with which civilization begins,” Mead said.