How did humanity learn how to become civil?

-First off, we created the definition of "civil," so by that meaning alone, we just lived and gave the lifestyle a different name.



For the main point, the actions of a few good people were followed. Generally people follow courage and generosity over evil and greed. While people tend to be "evil" and "greedy" by nature, most don't see others exhibiting that behavior and get inspired to follow in their foot steps.



So by natural progression, we have been inspired to do better and be "better" people by causing joy and compassion to those around them.



When you do something terrible, do you see people around you congratulating you on your evil doings? Not usually, so those actions are done only for personal satisfaction. When you do something great and honorable, you generally see people around you looking up to you and trying to mimic your actions.



Thousands of years later, here we are.Islam created civilization and manners and most of the foundations of knowledge such as algebra and architecture....