People sometimes tell me that they prefer barbarism to…
“People sometimes tell me that they prefer barbarism to civilisation. I doubt if they have given it a long enough trial. Like the people of Alexandria, they are bored by civilisation; but all the evidence suggests that the boredom of barbarism is infinitely greater.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People claim barbarism is preferable, but experience shows civilization, though boring, is less tedious than barbarism.
In simple terms: Civilization is less boring than barbarism.
Key Takeaway
Value the stability of civilization.
Themes
civilization
boredom
comparison
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- urban living
- education
- cultural events
- political debate
Key Concepts
historical perspective
philosophical critique
social order
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people idealize the past?
- Can boredom be productive?
A Different Perspective
Some may romanticize barbarism’s freedom.