Civilization Quote by Cyril Connolly
“The goal of every culture is to decay through over-civilization; the factors of decadence, -- luxury, skepticism, weariness and superstition, -- are constant. The civilization of one epoch becomes the manure of the next.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Decline of Culture, Cyril Connolly, 1955
Culture inevitably decays as luxury and skepticism grow, turning current achievements into future waste.
In simple terms: Culture fades when excess and doubt dominate.
Key Takeaway
Watch for signs of cultural fatigue.
Themes
decadence
civilization
entropy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- media criticism
- urban planning
- education reform
- art funding
Key Concepts
cultural cycles
over‑civilization
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern comforts risk cultural decline?
- Can skepticism be productive?
A Different Perspective
Not all change is negative; some renewal follows decay.
![“[When her daughter suggested the President refer in his conversation with foreign dignitaries about lawn care to 'fertilizer' instead of to 'manure':] But remember, it took me almost thirty years to get him to call it manure.” quote by Bess Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fe/bess-truman-27530_care_when-her-daughter-suggested-the-presiden_25215.jpg)
