Alfred Russel Wallace : Alfred Wallace : A. R. Wallace :
Russel Wallace : Alfred Russell Wallace (sic)
Discussion of 'On the Efforts of Missionaries
Among Savages' (S111: 1865)
Editor Charles H. Smith's Note: Third party rendering of words Wallace offered in discussion of
'On the Efforts of Missionaries Among Savages,' a paper by Rev. J. W. Colenso read at the
Anthropological Society of London meeting of 16 May 1865. Later printed on page cclxxxviii of
volume three of their Journal series. To link directly to this page, connect with:
http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/S111.htm
Mr. Wallace observed that, after so eloquent and amusing a discussion, there was not much
for him to say; but as a traveller he had seen something of the missionaries and their works, and
his general impression was that the success attained was due rather to personal character than to
doctrine. He was delighted with the bishop's view of the subject; for, in his opinion, nothing but
simple teaching could be effective among savage peoples. The Zulus, with whom Dr. Colenso
had to do, were considerably higher in intellectual status than, for instance, the aborigines of
Australia, who can hardly count above three or five, and are incapable of comprehending that
two and three make five. To such people it is idle to speak of religion, they cannot understand
what it means. The best effects are produced when the missionary shows that he has no selfish
interest--that he seeks only to do good; and this, in the speaker's opinion, would move the people
more than aught besides.
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