Our actions enable us to find out about the world. Full real life initiates awareness of all that we need to do. In Africa from 5.8 million years ago walking upright provides senses of all that we interact with so that we can continue skilfully with effective living practices. In Asia from 2 million years BCE earliest cultures along rivers from the Himalayas then on Pacific Ocean Coasts and islands advance to early civilisations.
Rwenzori and Himalayan mountains open human senses
Earliest cities of the Near Middle East start on rivers from which canal irrigation makes deserts and marshes fertile for agriculture.
The Indus Valley too is an early focus of human development with Harappa, Mohenjo Daro and Lothal providing evidence of early skilful crafts from 4,000 BCE. Ancient Egyptians use minerals then desert quartz sand glazes, enamel, faience and glass to indicate through depth and openness to light the power of sun and stars to radiate beauty. When it comes to the Mediterranean earliest seafarers are already transferring precious African gemstones to Mycenaean Knossos and Hellas in exchange for cereals, textiles and fine wines.
Ancient Egyptian lapis lazuli scarab gold ring
The African Arabian civilisation brings knowledge from the ancient world to renaissance Europe. Through commercial port cities Naples, Marseille, Cadiz and Lisbon the influence of world cultures is taken in. Free peoples from around the globe South America and North Africa in particular have an effect on movements for liberty and equality in enlightenment France.
Intensification of contact between cultures through seafaring endeavours from Liverpool, Bristol and Plymouth encourages a free people in England to take advantage from material well-being and stimulates the romantic impulse in affairs of the heart,
Free peoples and material prosperity of 19th century Europe
From China, India and the Americas the influences are felt in European capital cities. From Africa, Arabia, Persia and the Mediterranean come peoples with deeper lives and wider knowledge of the natural world. In Paris along the Seine from Boulevard Saint Michel to the Champs Elysses les jeunes filles are chic with haute couture. In London beautiful people come from the wonders of Oxford Street to embrace the charms of Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
Deep influence of the East felt in Europe