Civilization Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“There have been summits of civilization at which heretics like Socrates , who was killed because he was wiser than his neighbors, have not been tortured, but ordered to kill themselves in the most painless manner known to their judges. But from that summit there was a speedy relapse into our present savagery.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Man and Superman, 1903
Societal pressure can force even the wise to self‑destruction, and progress can quickly revert to brutality.
In simple terms: Power can drive the wise to ruin.
Key Takeaway
Beware coercive authority.
Themes
power
justice
human nature
societal pressure
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- legal trials
- political dissent
- academic debate
- activism
Key Concepts
ethics
political philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms protect the wise from oppression?
- How can societies prevent regression into cruelty?
A Different Perspective
Even when punished, individuals may still be compelled to self‑harm.
