The following excerpt comes from the journal of Lieutenant James Cook and reflects on the native Australian people:
"In reality they are far more happier than we Europeans, being wholy unacquainted not only with the Superfluous, but with the necessary Conveniences so much sought after in Europe; they are happy in not knowing the use of them. They live in Tranquility which is not disturbed by the Inequality of Condition. The Earth and Sea of their own accord furnishes them with all things necessary for Life."
Also of note, Cook often admitted his failure to learn the Australian people's customs or to "form connections with them." Still, his observations deserve some reflection.
Then we came in and ruined them.
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