“On this showing, the nature of the breakdowns of civilizations can be summed up in three points: a failure of creative power in the minority, an answering withdrawal of mimesis on the part of the majority, and a consequent loss of social unity in the society as a whole.”

— Arnold J. Toynbee , book A Study of History

Vol. 4 (1948), part B, p. 6.
A Study of History (1934–1961)

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Arnold J. Toynbee 17

British historian, author of A Study of History 1889–1975

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“On this showing, the nature of the breakdowns of civilizations can be summed up in three points: a failure of creative power in the minority, an answering withdrawal of mimesis on the part of the majority, and a consequent loss of social unity in the society as a whole.”

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Arnold J. Toynbee 17

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