Source: 1920s, Coming of Age in Samoa (1928), p. 274 (1953 edition)
“In many respects there is a complete lack of analogy between the civilization of to-day and the only other civilization in any way comparable to it, that of the ancient Greco-Roman lands. There are, of course, many points in which the analogy is close, and in some of these points the resemblances are as ominous as they are striking. But most striking of all is the fact that in point of physical extent, of wide diversity of interest, and of extreme velocity of movement, the present civilization can be compared to nothing that has ever gone before. It is now literally a world movement, and the movement is growing ever more rapid and is ever reaching into new fields. Any considerable influence exerted at one point is certain to be felt with greater or less effect at almost every other point. Every path of activity open to the human intellect is followed with an eagerness and success never hitherto dreamed of. We have established complete liberty of conscience, and, in consequence, a complete liberty for mental activity. All free and daring souls have before them a well-nigh limitless opening for endeavor of any kind.”
1910s, The World Movement (1910)
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Theodore Roosevelt 445
American politician, 26th president of the United States 1858–1919Related quotes
As quoted in Morning of the Magicians (1963) by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Berger, p. 181
UNESCO 1999
Attributed
“What, after all, was the point of civilization if not the well-being of citizens?”
Source: Ancillary Justice (2013), Chapter 8 (p. 121)
Source: The Characteristics of the Present Age (1806), p. 192
“A civilized society is one which tolerates eccentricity to the point of doubtful sanity.”
360 Doctrines and Comprehensive Theories, Union of Civilizations
“Western civilization is a loaded gun pointed at the head of this planet.”
360 Doctrines and Comprehensive Theories, Union of Civilizations