As a civilization expands and extends its influence, the individual must
contribute his mite to the entire enterprise while adding to his own
store of goods and services. Acquisition and accumulation satisfy a
human desire to have and to keep. They also add to the wealth and well
being of the community on the widely accepted utilitarian formula:
happiness comes in direct proportion to the extent and variety of ones
possessions.
In most civilized communities the building unit is a family. It is this
family unit, usually directed by a male or father figure, who acts for
the family and represents it in the community.
In passing, the reader should note that the breakdown in family life now
so prevalent in many parts of western civilization is a departure from
the civilized norm. It is really a measure of the extent to which
western civilization itself is disintegrating.
The revolution in science and technology, mass production and the
distribution of goods and services through a mass market have put
acquisition and accumulation of goods and services as a life-goal to a
severe test. Until the early years of the present century no
civilization had provided affluence for more than a small fraction of
its population. The vast majority consisted of slaves, serfs, war
captives, and tenant farmers. Only an exceptional few were in a position
to live in comfort or luxury on unearned income.
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