Barbarism Quote by Antoine Rivarol
“Extremes produce reaction. Beware that our boasted civilization does not lapse into barbarism.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Civilization, 1790
Extreme conditions trigger reactions; civilization must guard against slipping into barbarism when excesses arise.
In simple terms: Extremes cause reactions; civilization must avoid barbarism.
Key Takeaway
Maintain vigilance against societal excesses.
Themes
civilization
ethics
history
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- social movements
- cultural shifts
Key Concepts
political theory
social stability
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern extremes threaten civility?
- How can societies balance order and freedom?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on fear can stifle progress.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[Much] as war attracts me and fascinates my mind with its tremendous situations, I feel more deeply every year . . . what vile and wicked folly and barbarism it all is.” quote by Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e15/winston-churchill-95_barbarism_much-as-war-attracts-me-and-fascinates-m_68452.jpg)
