Civilisation Quote by Gregory David Roberts
““Civilisation, after all, is defined by what we forbid, more than what we permit.””
About This Quote
Civilization is shaped more by its prohibitions than its allowances, reflecting collective values.
In simple terms: Societies define themselves by bans.
Key Takeaway
Examine what we forbid.
Themes
society
morality
law
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- education
- media regulation
- cultural norms
Key Concepts
social contract
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What do our bans reveal about us?
- Are there prohibitions that hinder progress?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on bans may ignore positive freedoms.
![“Our use of the phrase 'The Dark Ages' to cover the period from 600 to 1000 marks our undue concentration on Western Europe. [...] From India to Spain, the brilliant civilisation of Islam flourished. What was lost to Christendom at this time was not lost to civilisation, but quite the contrary…” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2e/bertrand-russell-69_civilization_our-use-of-the-phrase-the-dark-ages-to-c_206649.jpg)
