Barbarism Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“Each man calls barbarism whatever is not his own practice; for indeed it seems we have no other test of truth and reason than the example and pattern of the opinions and customs of the country we live in”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Apology for Raymond Sebond", 1580
People label opposing customs as barbaric because they lack their own standards; truth is judged by cultural context.
In simple terms: We call others barbaric when they differ from us.
Key Takeaway
Question cultural bias.
Themes
cultural relativism
bias
truth
customs
barbarism
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- cross‑cultural dialogue
- ethical debates
- social critique
Key Concepts
philosophy
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define barbarism?
- Can truth be universal?
A Different Perspective
May ignore universal human rights.
![“[H]e is a barbarian, and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature.” quote by George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d1d/george-bernard-shaw-68_barbarian_h-e-is-a-barbarian-and-thinks-that-the-c_831634.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[Much] as war attracts me and fascinates my mind with its tremendous situations, I feel more deeply every year . . . what vile and wicked folly and barbarism it all is.” quote by Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e15/winston-churchill-95_barbarism_much-as-war-attracts-me-and-fascinates-m_68452.jpg)
