Skip to content

Ancient Quote by Charles Krauthammer

“You can have the most advanced and efflorescent cultures. Get your politics wrong, however, and everything stands to be swept away. This is not ancient history. This is Germany 1933...Politics is the moat, the walls, beyond which lie the barbarians. Fail to keep them at bay, and everything burns.” quote by Charles Krauthammer
Download Open image
“You can have the most advanced and efflorescent cultures. Get your politics wrong, however, and everything stands to be swept away. This is not ancient history. This is Germany 1933...Politics is the moat, the walls, beyond which lie the barbarians. Fail to keep them at bay, and everything burns.”

Charles Krauthammer

About This Quote

Source Opinion column, The Washington Post, 2018

He warns that strong political institutions are essential; without them, even advanced cultures can collapse into chaos.

In simple terms: Political stability protects civilization from decay.

Key Takeaway

Strengthen institutions and stay politically vigilant.

Themes

politics civilization stability history danger

Mood

cautious urgent

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • public discourse
  • education on civic duty

Key Concepts

institutionalism political theory historical analogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can modern societies build?
  • How do cultural achievements interact with political health?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex causes of societal collapse.

4.6 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Charles Krauthammer

Explore all 268 Charles Krauthammer quotes

More Ancient quotes

Browse all 2,415 Ancient quotes