Great Civilizations Quote by Charles Krauthammer
““Therefore, good-bye Columbus? Balzac once suggested that all great fortunes are founded on a crime. So too all great civilizations. The European conquest of the Americas, like the conquest of other civilizations, was indeed accompanied by great cruelty. But that is to say nothing more than that the European conquest of America was, in this way, much like the rise of Islam, the Norman conquest of Britain and the widespread American Indian tradition of raiding, depopulating and appropriating neighboring lands. The real question is, What eventually grew on this bloodied soil? The answer is, The great modern civilizations””
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Rise of Civilizations, Charles Krauthammer, 2005
Great societies often arise from violent conquest, yet their lasting impact is measured by cultural and technological achievements.
In simple terms: Violence seeds civilizations, but progress defines them.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both the darkness and the legacy of history.
Themes
history
morality
civilization
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- public discourse
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
colonialism
cultural evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we have to acknowledge past atrocities?
- How can we learn from history without repeating its errors?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring moral costs can glorify oppression.
