"The Natives of New-Holland may appear to some to be the most wretched people upon
Earth, but in reality they are far happier than we Europeans; being wholly unacquainted
not only with the superfluous but the necessary Conveniencies so much sought after in
Europe, they are happy in not knowing the use of them. They live in a 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, they covet not Magnificent Houses,
Household-stuff, etc., they live in a warm and fine Climate and enjoy a very wholesome
Air, so that they have very little need of Clothing. . . . Many to whom we gave Cloth left it
carelessly upon the beach and in the woods as a thing they had no manner of use for. In
short they seemed to set no Value upon any thing we gave them, nor would they ever part
with any thing of their own for any one article we could offer them; this in my opinion
argues that they think themselves provided with all the necessaries of Life and that they
have no superfluities." - James Cook, British naval officer, describing the inhabitants of Australia, 1770.
Accounts of non-European peoples similar to Cook’s portrayal of the inhabitants of
Australia contributed most directly to the development of which of the following?
(A) Romanticism
(B) Enlightenment rationalism
(C) Positivism
(D) Nationalism