The Nomadic Alternative – Page 68

Civilized nations have consistently flattered themselves, "It cannot happen here." Theirs is the civilization to end all. They possess unique capabilities which others do not. The barbarians, who spurn the imposition of their benevolence, live in ignorance of the truth or are perhaps incapable of developing civilization on their own. That they might not need it, is inconceivable. But the State carries with it a burden of guilt and militates against the freedom of the individual. Unless the State can mitigate the severity of its grip, ultimately the will to be free wins. Gipsies prefer death to prison. There is a real danger that if any programme for a world civilization triumphs, men will collectively prefer death to captivity.

Splendour in stone is the mark of the proud. Shimmering monoliths were unacceptable to the God of Israel. "And if thou wilt build me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone; for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it." Exodus 21.25.

The God of Israel was the god of people who had been nomads. He appeared on Mount Sinai. He blazed in the Burning Bush. He hovered over the campfires of his people. He did not demand an altar or temple identified with one particular place. He had refused the sacrifice of Isaac and had led Abraham back to the migration path.

At the time of Exodus he would make one concession to a generation of murmurers. If his people build him an altar, it must readily fall to bits.