Barbarism Quote by Elihu Root
“To deal with the true causes of war one must begin by recognizing as of prime relevancy to the solution of the problem the familiar fact that civilization is a partial, incomplete, and, to a great extent, superficial modification of barbarism.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Roots of War, 1915
War stems from civilization's superficial veneer over barbarism; recognizing this is key to peace.
In simple terms: Civilization masks deeper barbarism.
Key Takeaway
Address underlying barbaric tendencies.
Themes
war
civilization
barbarism
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- conflict resolution
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
political theory
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What superficial aspects hide deeper conflicts?
- How can societies confront barbaric roots?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex causes.
![“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)
![“[Much] as war attracts me and fascinates my mind with its tremendous situations, I feel more deeply every year . . . what vile and wicked folly and barbarism it all is.” quote by Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e15/winston-churchill-95_barbarism_much-as-war-attracts-me-and-fascinates-m_68452.jpg)
