Civilization Quote by Lorrie Moore
“[T]he normal and the everyday are often amazingly unstoppable, and what is unimaginable is the cessation of them. The world is resilient, and, no matter what interruptions occur, people so badly want to return to their lives and get on with them. A veneer of civilization descends quickly, like a shining rain. Dust is settled.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflection on human resilience, 2015
People instinctively return to normal life after disruptions; civilization’s veneer is fragile but quickly reappears as life resumes.
In simple terms: Human nature pushes us back to routine despite interruptions.
Embrace resilience and plan for continuity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- natural disasters
- pandemic
- personal setbacks
- societal crises
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What routines sustain you after a crisis?
- How does society rebuild after disruption?
Resilience can mask underlying systemic issues needing deeper address.