Perplexed by no conflict
Troubled by no philosophical questions
Beset by no remote ambitions
Margaret Mead

There is, likewise, contemporary evidence in Africa that greed and self-interest are not inevitable in complex human interactions. The Bushman of the Kalahari and Bedouin of the Sahara have adapted culturally such that the tribe is always placed above personal interests. Those who live in marginal environments cannot afford the luxury of lenience. Any challenge to the tribal ethic is dealt with swiftly and effectively by banishment, which is tantamount to a death sentence. There are few challenges.

Those of us in the West should not miss the important lesson here. On its present course the world will soon have so many people, so much pollution, and be so depleted of resources (including water), that most of the planet will be marginal. In a monumental twist of fate Africa, the perpetual student, may soon be the world's teacher!