Meaning: The quote "If the views I have expressed be right, we can think of our civilization evolving with the growth of knowledge from small wandering tribes to large settled law" by John Orr, a politician, reflects on the evolution of human civilization in relation to the acquisition of knowledge and the establishment of societal order. The quote suggests that as knowledge grows, so does the complexity and organization of human societies, moving from small, nomadic groups to larger, settled communities governed by laws. This concept touches on the fundamental aspects of human development, societal progress, and the role of knowledge in shaping civilizations.

The notion of civilization evolving with the growth of knowledge is deeply rooted in the study of history, anthropology, and sociology. Throughout history, human societies have undergone significant transformations, often corresponding to advancements in knowledge, technology, and social organization. The transition from small wandering tribes to large settled law represents a shift from a more decentralized, nomadic way of life to a more centralized, structured societal framework governed by laws and regulations.

In the early stages of human civilization, small wandering tribes were characterized by a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, where groups moved from place to place in search of resources. Knowledge was primarily based on survival skills, environmental adaptation, and rudimentary forms of social organization. As knowledge began to accumulate and specialized roles emerged within these societies, there was a gradual shift towards settled communities and the development of agriculture, leading to larger and more permanent settlements.

The concept of settled law reflects the establishment of formalized systems of governance, legal codes, and social institutions that regulate and govern the behavior of individuals within a society. This transition from small wandering tribes to large settled law represents the evolution from informal, customary norms to more structured and codified systems of justice and governance.

John Orr's quote invites contemplation on the relationship between knowledge, societal development, and the evolution of human civilization. It suggests that knowledge acts as a catalyst for progress, enabling societies to transition from primitive, nomadic lifestyles to more organized and complex forms of social and political organization. This evolution is intricately tied to the accumulation of knowledge, the development of technology, and the establishment of systems of governance and law.

Moreover, the quote hints at the interconnectedness of knowledge, societal structure, and human progress. As knowledge expands, it influences the way societies are organized, the laws that govern them, and the interactions among individuals. The growth of knowledge has historically led to advancements in various fields, including science, philosophy, governance, and social organization, all of which have shaped the trajectory of human civilization.

In conclusion, John Orr's quote encapsulates the idea that human civilization has evolved in tandem with the growth of knowledge, transitioning from small wandering tribes to large settled law. This perspective underscores the transformative power of knowledge in shaping the development of human societies, from early nomadic groups to more complex and organized communities governed by laws and regulations. It prompts us to consider the profound impact of knowledge on societal progress, governance, and the overall trajectory of human civilization.