---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Every civilization is just an attempt, a…"
description: "\"“Every civilization is just an attempt, a best guess...And they're all imperfect, shots in the dark, and they all end in a flood.”\" — Kevin Emerson"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/131/kevin-emerson-30917_desenna_every-civilization-is-just-an-attempt-a_1511158.jpg"
---

#  Every civilization is just an attempt, a best guess...And…

![“Every civilization is just an attempt, a best guess...And they're all imperfect, shots in the dark, and they all end in a flood.” quote by Kevin Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/131/kevin-emerson-30917_desenna_every-civilization-is-just-an-attempt-a_1511158.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/131/kevin-emerson-30917_desenna_every-civilization-is-just-an-attempt-a_1511158.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/131/kevin-emerson-30917_desenna_every-civilization-is-just-an-attempt-a_1511158.jpg)

> ““Every civilization is just an attempt, a best guess...And they're all imperfect, shots in the dark, and they all end in a flood.””

[Kevin Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-emerson/)

## About This Quote

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

Civilizations are imperfect attempts to understand reality, like blind shots that often end in disaster.

**In simple terms:** Societies are imperfect guesses that can fail.

Key Takeaway

Accept uncertainty and improve collective decisions.

Themes

civilization uncertainty failure learning progress

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- policy making
- scientific research
- urban planning
- educational reform

Key Concepts

philosophy history epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

- How can societies learn from failures?
- What role does humility play in progress?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on certainty can stifle innovation and adaptability.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Flood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flood/)

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