In this book, the American philosopher Edward Carpenter reassesses the meaning of civilization and its role in the development of humanity and morality. As the author says: "hospitality of the wild Arab, the courage of the North American Indian, and the faithful friendships of some of the Polynesian nations, far surpass anything of a similar kind among the polished communities of Europe." Further, Carpenter reflects his acquaintance with the people of the indigenous tribes like Bushmen, Eskimo, Samoyedes, Zulu.