English Quote by Grant Allen
““I beg your pardon," Philip interposed stiffly, now put upon his mettle. "We have no taboos at all in England. ... England, you must remember, is a civilized country, and taboos are institutions that belong the lowest and most degraded savages.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Man Who Was Thursday, 1908
England claims civility, dismissing taboos as primitive, reflecting cultural superiority.
In simple terms: England sees taboos as uncivilized.
Key Takeaway
Question cultural assumptions.
Themes
culture
civilization
taboos
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- cross‑cultural dialogue
- policy making
- education reform
- media criticism
Key Concepts
colonial attitudes
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the benefits of taboos?
- How do cultures define civility?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplification can ignore nuance.
