Even literate ancient peoples suspected strangers might not be fully human

Evidence

The stranger is close to us insofar as we feel between him and ourselves similarities of nationality or social position, of occupation or of general human nature. He is far from us insofar as these similarities extend beyond him and us, and connect us only because they connect a great many people. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 397 (#expands, via linked claim)

In practice, this meant that one conformed to the customs of whatever country one inhabited. A modern disciple would go to church on Sundays and perform the correct genuflexions, but without any of the religious beliefs that are supposed to inspire these actions. Ancient Sceptics went through the whole pagan ritual, and were even sometimes priests; their Scepticism assured them that this behaviour could not be proved wrong, and their common sense (which survived their philosophy) assured them that it was convenient. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 960 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Living surrounded by strangers is a peculiar condition requiring explanation; Most of human history was lived in small worlds lacking anonymity — Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order and Action in…, 39; Many peoples credited strangers with special magical powers requiring ritual handling (+4 more)

Related

• Many peoples credited strangers with special magical powers requiring ritual handling (similarity 0.85)
• A stranger is someone personally unknown yet visually available (similarity 0.81)
• Most of human history was lived in small worlds lacking anonymity (similarity 0.80)
• Shared universal traits make the stranger simultaneously near and far (similarity 0.80)
• The most urban-inept strangers can be the most warmly treated (similarity 0.80)
• The stranger embodies a simultaneous union of closeness and remoteness (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• Many peoples credited strangers with special magical powers requiring ritual handling #corroborates (0.70)
• Shared universal traits make the stranger simultaneously near and far #expands (0.55) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 397
• Ancient sceptics conformed to local custom while rejecting underlying beliefs #expands (0.45) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 960
• Industrial urbanization destroyed appearance as a reliable clue to strangers’ identities #contradicts (0.40)