Civilized Quote by Robert E. Howard
“Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.”
About This Quote
Source Short Story: "The Shadow Kingdom", 1929
Civilization allows polite cruelty because social rules protect the aggressor.
In simple terms: Polite people can be cruel without fear of retaliation.
Key Takeaway
Beware of hidden rudeness.
Themes
civilization
morality
power dynamics
Mood
cynical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- political discourse
- online interactions
- diplomatic negotiations
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
social theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish sincere courtesy from strategic rudeness?
- When does etiquette become oppression?
A Different Perspective
Politeness can also be a tool for genuine kindness.
![“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)
