Civilization Quote by Lawrence H. Keeley
““Most of the evils attributed to civilization and progress—such as social inequality and subordination, murder, theft, rape, vandalism, and conquest—are found concentrated in the conduct and effects of war. Therefore, in a neo-Rousseauian world view, war itself constitutes one of the principal products of Western progress, and the precivilized condition and the non-Western world before European expansion must have been idyllic and peaceful. As ever, when faith in the myth of progress declines, the myth of the golden age finds new adherents. THE””
About This Quote
Source Book: War Before Civilization by Lawrence H. Keeley, 1998
War is portrayed as a central, destructive outcome of Western progress, while pre‑colonial societies are idealized as peaceful.
In simple terms: War is seen as a product of progress, pre‑colonial life as idyllic.
Key Takeaway
Question the link between progress and conflict.
Themes
history
war
colonialism
myth of progress
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic study
- political debate
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
civilization
violence
idealization
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view challenge narratives of progress?
- What evidence contradicts the idyllic pre‑colonial myth?
A Different Perspective
War may also arise from non‑Western cultures; peace is not guaranteed.
![“The likely economic effects [of the war in Iraq] would be relatively small... Under every plausible scenario, the negative effect will be quite small relative to the economic benefits.” quote by Lawrence B. Lindsey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b96/lawrence-b-lindsey-74893_benefits_the-likely-economic-effects-of-the-war-i_470210.jpg)
