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I beg your pardon," Philip interposed stiffly, now put…

“I beg your pardon," Philip interposed stiffly, now put upon his mettle. "We have no taboos at all in England. ... England, you must remember, is a civilized country, and taboos are institutions that belong the lowest and most degraded savages.” quote by Grant Allen
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““I beg your pardon," Philip interposed stiffly, now put upon his mettle. "We have no taboos at all in England. ... England, you must remember, is a civilized country, and taboos are institutions that belong the lowest and most degraded savages.””

Grant Allen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

England claims civility, dismissing taboos as primitive, reflecting cultural superiority.

In simple terms: England sees taboos as uncivilized.

Key Takeaway

Question cultural assumptions.

Themes

culture civilization taboos

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • cross‑cultural dialogue
  • policy making
  • education reform
  • media criticism

Key Concepts

colonial attitudes social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the benefits of taboos?
  • How do cultures define civility?
A Different Perspective

Oversimplification can ignore nuance.

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