With the assumption that 'the genesis of a particular character type may be ascertained by analyzing the mental and behavioral adjustments involved in the transition of a specific society from one type of cultural universe to another', i.e., from a coöperative to competitive ethos, Pieris politely, covertly, and cleverly emits the timeworn battle cry of the sociologists and antifreudians to the effect that it is culture which determines character. To this end Pieris uses an account of a historical transition of Sinhalese society from an ideology based on coöperative principles to a competitive or individualistic ethos of an 'acquisitive society'. His account is interesting; his conclusions doubtful, as not once does he consider or mention a classical view of instinct theory or the role of instincts in character formation. This article is recommended for those readers curious to know about the tragedy which befell the character of the Sinhalese—and mankind, we suppose—all because someone invented pockets.