Culture Quote by Butler Shaffer
““The problem with all of this, as historians advise us, is that the institutionalization of the systems that produce the values upon which a civilization depends, ultimately bring about the destruction of that civilization. Arnold Toynbee observed that a civilization begins to break down when there is “a loss of creative power in the souls of creative individuals,” and, in time, the “differentiation and diversity” that characterized a dynamic civilization, is replaced by “a tendency towards standardization and uniformity.” The emergence of a “universal state,” and increased militarism, represent later stages in the disintegration of a civilization.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise and Fall of Civilizations, 2020
Civilizations decline when creative individuals lose power and diversity is replaced by uniformity and militarism, leading to societal collapse.
In simple terms: Creativity loss and uniformity cause collapse.
Key Takeaway
Foster creativity and diversity.
Themes
civilization
history
culture
decline
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- policy making
- community building
- arts funding
Key Concepts
creative power
standardization
militarism
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can preserve creativity?
- How can diversity be protected in modern institutions?
A Different Perspective
Some societies maintain stability despite standardization.
![“The most enduring and galvanizing ideas and values of our civilization are embedded in our stories, from those of Homer, […] and Virgil, […] and to Jesus. It seems to be in our genetic makeup to capture our best ideas in stories, to enjoy them, to learn form them, and to pass them on to others (25)” quote by Blake Mycoskie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/656/blake-mycoskie-4833_inspirational_the-most-enduring-and-galvanizing-ideas_1900757.jpg)
