--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I believe that Western civilization…" description: "\"I believe that Western civilization, after some disgusting glitches, has become almost civilized. I believe it is our first duty to protect that civili..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad1/p-j-o-rourke-184_believe_i-believe-that-western-civilization-afte_340677.png" --- # I believe that Western civilization, after some disgusting… ![“I believe that Western civilization, after some disgusting glitches, has become almost civilized. I believe it is our first duty to protect that civilization. I believe it is our second duty to improve it. I believe it is our third duty to extend it if we can.” quote by P. J. O'Rourke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad1/p-j-o-rourke-184_believe_i-believe-that-western-civilization-afte_340677.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad1/p-j-o-rourke-184_believe_i-believe-that-western-civilization-afte_340677.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad1/p-j-o-rourke-184_believe_i-believe-that-western-civilization-afte_340677.png) > “I believe that Western civilization, after some disgusting glitches, has become almost civilized. I believe it is our first duty to protect that civilization. I believe it is our second duty to improve it. I believe it is our third duty to extend it if we can.” [P. J. O'Rourke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/p-j-o-rourke/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author argues that despite flaws, Western civilization is largely civilized and must be protected, improved, and possibly expanded. **In simple terms:** Western civilization needs protection, improvement, and expansion. Key Takeaway Guard and enhance our culture. Themes civilization responsibility progress Mood critical optimistic Type political philosophical When to use this quote - policy making - education reform - international aid - technology development Key Concepts ethics cultural stewardship global influence Questions to Reflect On - What responsibilities do we have to other societies? - How can we improve without imposing? A Different Perspective Balancing improvement with respect for other cultures can be challenging. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Culture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/culture/) [Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duty/) [Glitches](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/glitches/) [Western](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/western/) [Western civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/western-civilization/) ## Related quotes > [“Americans in 1950 rediscovered something that since Hiroshima they had forgotten: you may fly over a land forever; you may bomb it, atomize it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-r-fehrenbach/americans-in-1950-rediscovered-something-that-since-hiroshima-they/) [T. R. 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