Civilized society Quote by Edward Bellamy
““There is no such thing in a civilized society as self-support. In a state of society so barbarous as not even to know family cooperation, each individual may possibly support himself, though even then for a part of his life only; but from the moment that men begin to live together, and constitute even the rudest of society, self-support becomes impossible. As men grow more civilized, and the subdivision of occupations and services is carried out, a complex mutual dependence becomes the universal rule. Every man, however solitary may seem his occupation, is a member of a vast industrial partnership, as large as the nation, as large as humanity. The necessity of mutual dependence should imply the duty and guarantee of mutual support...””
About This Quote
Source Book: Looking Backward, 1888
In civilized societies, individuals cannot fully support themselves; they rely on a complex network of mutual dependence and support.
In simple terms: People need each other to thrive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and uphold mutual support.
Themes
interdependence
society
cooperation
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- workplace
- community projects
- public policy
- family life
Key Concepts
Industrialization
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you contribute to your community?
- What systems reinforce self‑reliance over cooperation?
A Different Perspective
Mutual support can be undermined by inequality and exploitation.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
