The cornerstones of human civilization refer to the foundational elements or principles that have enabled societies to progress, cohere, and function through time. These cornerstones have evolved and adapted as humanity has progressed, but they largely revolve around basic principles and structures that provide stability and organization. Here are some widely recognized cornerstones of human civilization:

1. Language and Communication:
Language, in both its spoken and written forms, has been crucial for humans to share knowledge, convey emotions, pass on traditions, and cooperate on large scales.

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2. Agriculture:
The shift from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled agriculture around 10,000 years ago marked a pivotal point. It allowed for surplus food storage, leading to population growth and the establishment of permanent settlements.

3. Social Structures and Hierarchies:
The formation of structured societies with defined roles (e.g., leaders, priests, warriors, artisans) helped in organizing large groups of people and maintaining order.

4. Systems of Governance:
From tribal leaders to monarchies, democracies, and other forms of governance, systems of leadership and order have been integral to the growth and stability of civilizations.

5. Law and Justice:
Codified systems of law, like Hammurabi’s Code or Roman Law, provided frameworks for justice and societal regulation, ensuring that members of a society had guidelines for behavior and consequences for transgressions.

6. Religion and Spirituality:

Religion has often provided a moral framework, a sense of purpose, and cohesion among community members. It has played a role in explaining the inexplicable and providing solace in times of distress.

7. Economic Systems:
From barter systems to advanced economies with banking, credit, and global trade, economic structures have facilitated the exchange of goods and services and driven growth and innovation.

8. Science and Technology:
Human curiosity and the drive to understand the natural world have led to advancements in various scientific fields. Over time, this understanding has been harnessed to develop technologies that have reshaped societies.

9. Art and Culture:
Art, music, literature, and other cultural expressions have been vital for emotional expression, entertainment, and the perpetuation of cultural values and narratives.

10. Education and Knowledge Transmission:
The structured transmission of knowledge, first through oral traditions and later through educational institutions, has been fundamental for societal progress and the perpetuation of civilization.

In essence, the cornerstones of human civilization encompass the various structures, beliefs, practices, and innovations that have facilitated human cooperation on a large scale and ensured the sustained progression of societies through millennia.