Civilization Quote by Derrick Jensen
“To be clear, civilization is not the same as society. Civilization is a specific, hierarchical organization based on 'power over.' Dismantling civilization, taking down that power structure, does not mean the end of all social order. It should ultimately mean more justice, more local control, more democracy, and more human rights, not less.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The End of Civilization” by Derrick Jensen, 2014
Civilization is a power‑based hierarchy; dismantling it aims for justice, not chaos.
In simple terms: Removing oppressive structures seeks justice.
Key Takeaway
Work toward equitable, local governance.
Themes
politics
justice
hierarchy
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- community organizing
- policy reform
- grassroots activism
- education initiatives
Key Concepts
social theory
anarchism
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can justice be ensured during transition?
- What local models can replace central power?
A Different Perspective
Power vacuums can cause instability.
![“[T]he status of women in a society is a pretty reliable index of the degree of civilization of that society.” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4e0/ursula-k-le-guin-138_civilization-society_t-he-status-of-women-in-a-society-is-a-p_2430266.jpg)
