---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Civilisation, after all, is defined by…"
description: "\"“Civilisation, after all, is defined by what we forbid, more than what we permit.”\" — Gregory David Roberts"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e7/gregory-david-roberts-1039_civilisation_civilisation-after-all-is-defined-by-wha_2034029.png"
---

#  Civilisation, after all, is defined by what we forbid…

![“Civilisation, after all, is defined by what we forbid, more than what we permit.” quote by Gregory David Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e7/gregory-david-roberts-1039_civilisation_civilisation-after-all-is-defined-by-wha_2034029.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e7/gregory-david-roberts-1039_civilisation_civilisation-after-all-is-defined-by-wha_2034029.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e7/gregory-david-roberts-1039_civilisation_civilisation-after-all-is-defined-by-wha_2034029.png)

> ““Civilisation, after all, is defined by what we forbid, more than what we permit.””

[Gregory David Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-david-roberts/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

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.

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[Civilisation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilisation/) [Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Culture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/culture/)

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