--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Civilization is a network and a maze of…" description: "\"Civilization is a network and a maze of precedences and custom.\" — Robert E. Howard" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8d/robert-e-howard-3742_civilization_civilization-is-a-network-and-a-maze-of_1494085.jpg" --- # Civilization is a network and a maze of precedences and… ![“Civilization is a network and a maze of precedences and custom.” quote by Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8d/robert-e-howard-3742_civilization_civilization-is-a-network-and-a-maze-of_1494085.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8d/robert-e-howard-3742_civilization_civilization-is-a-network-and-a-maze-of_1494085.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8d/robert-e-howard-3742_civilization_civilization-is-a-network-and-a-maze-of_1494085.jpg) > “Civilization is a network and a maze of precedences and custom.” [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Civilizations develop through complex layers of tradition and hierarchy, forming intricate networks that guide behavior. **In simple terms:** Societies are built on customs and hierarchies. Key Takeaway Understand and navigate cultural structures. Themes society culture hierarchy Mood analytical critical Type philosophical observational When to use this quote - business negotiations - political strategy - social integration Key Concepts systems precedence networking Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance tradition with progress? - When should you challenge established customs? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on precedent can stifle innovation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Civilization Network](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization-network-5463464/) [Culture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/culture/) [Customs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/customs/) [Maze Precedences](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/maze-precedences-5463466/) [Mazes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mazes/) [Network](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/network/) [Network Maze](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/network-maze-5463465/) [Precedence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/precedence/) [Precedences Custom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/precedences-custom-5463467/) ## Related quotes > [People want their own laws to take precedence over those of the European Union. The French have understood that the EU does not live…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marine-le-pen/people-want-their-own-laws-to-take-precedence-over-those-of-the/) [Marine Le Pen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marine-le-pen/) > [Let not England forget her precedence of teaching nations how to live.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-milton/let-not-england-forget-her-precedence-of-teaching-nations-how-to-live/) [John Milton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-milton/) > [Love enters the heart unawares: takes precedence of all the emotions--or, at least, will be second to none--and even reflection becomes its accomplice. While…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sophie-swetchine/love-enters-the-heart-unawares-takes-precedence-of-all-the-emotions/) [Sophie Swetchine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sophie-swetchine/) > [We've lost touch and allowed technology to take precedence over organic nature. But let's not forget that those microchips in our computers came from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emilio-estevez/we-ve-lost-touch-and-allowed-technology-to-take-precedence-over/) [Emilio Estevez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emilio-estevez/) > [ Kids absolutely not reading. I think it's because they're so screen-oriented \[TVs, computers, smartphones\]. They do read - girls in particular read a lot.… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/kids-absolutely-not-reading-i-think-it-s-because-they-re-so-screen/) [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) > [The films dramatic requirements should always take precedence over the mere aesthetics of editing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-dmytryk/the-films-dramatic-requirements-should-always-take-precedence-over/) [Edward Dmytryk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-dmytryk/) > [I believe that sensory pleasure should take precedence over intellectual pleasure in art and architecture.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernard-rudofsky/i-believe-that-sensory-pleasure-should-take-precedence-over/) [Bernard Rudofsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-rudofsky/) > [Nature will take precedence over the needs of the modern man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stewart-udall/nature-will-take-precedence-over-the-needs-of-the-modern-man/) [Stewart Udall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stewart-udall/) > [The most basic task of any museum must be the protection of works of cultural significance entrusted to its care for the edification and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-filler/the-most-basic-task-of-any-museum-must-be-the-protection-of-works-of/) [Martin Filler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-filler/) > [Historically the opposition to abortion and birth control ... stemmed from the urgency of the need to decrease the mortality and morbidity rates and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-summerskill-baroness-summerskill/historically-the-opposition-to-abortion-and-birth-control-stemmed/) [Edith Summerskill, Baroness Summerskill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-summerskill-baroness-summerskill/) > [Of all "rights" which command attention at the present time among us, woman's rights seem to take precedence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/horace-mann/of-all-rights-which-command-attention-at-the-present-time-among-us/) [Horace Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/horace-mann/) > [The need of reason is not inspired by the quest for truth but by the quest for meaning. And truth and meaning are not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hannah-arendt/the-need-of-reason-is-not-inspired-by-the-quest-for-truth-but-by-the/) [Hannah Arendt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hannah-arendt/) > [The most interesting aspect for me, composing exclusively with patterns, is that there is not one organizational procedure more advantageous than another, perhaps because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morton-feldman/the-most-interesting-aspect-for-me-composing-exclusively-with/) [Morton Feldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morton-feldman/) > [Planning is an unnatural process; it is much more fun to do something. The nicest thing about not planning is that failure comes as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-harvey-jones/planning-is-an-unnatural-process-it-is-much-more-fun-to-do-something/) [John Harvey-Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-harvey-jones/) > [What is urgent will always take precedence over what is important.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-de-bono/what-is-urgent-will-always-take-precedence-over-what-is-important/) [Edward de Bono](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-de-bono/) ## More by Robert E. Howard > [Don't you think that as a people, Americans have less poetry, real poetry, in their souls than any other nations?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/don-t-you-think-that-as-a-people-americans-have-less-poetry-real/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [I became a writer in spite of my environments.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/i-became-a-writer-in-spite-of-my-environments/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [Over the souls of men spread the condor wings of colossal monsters and all manner of evil things prey upon the heart and soul…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/over-the-souls-of-men-spread-the-condor-wings-of-colossal-monsters/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [“There was no life in the Abyss, save that which was incorporated in me," it tolled. "Nor was there light, nor motion, nor any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/there-was-no-life-in-the-abyss-save-that-which-was-incorporated-in-me/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [“That's the way with civilized men. When they can't explain something by their half-baked science, they refuse to believe it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/that-s-the-way-with-civilized-men-when-they-can-t-explain-something/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [I live, I burn with life, I love, I slay, & am content.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/i-live-i-burn-with-life-i-love-i-slay-am-content/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [Coming, as I do, from mountain folk on one side and sea followers on the other, there are few old songs of the hills…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/coming-as-i-do-from-mountain-folk-on-one-side-and-sea-followers-on/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [“A true fanatic, his promptings were reasons enough for his actions.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/a-true-fanatic-his-promptings-were-reasons-enough-for-his-actions/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [I have put off the past like a worn-out cloak.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/i-have-put-off-the-past-like-a-worn-out-cloak/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [“Again the governor knelt, for part of his wisdom was the knowledge that a woman in such an emotional tempest is as perilous as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/again-the-governor-knelt-for-part-of-his-wisdom-was-the-knowledge/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [“When you allow the elevation of a man, one can be sure that you'll profit by his advancement. I've earned everything I've won, with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/when-you-allow-the-elevation-of-a-man-one-can-be-sure-that-you-ll/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [I never saw a man fight as Conan fought. He put his back to the courtyard wall, and before they overpowered him the dead…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/i-never-saw-a-man-fight-as-conan-fought-he-put-his-back-to-the/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [“There was no explaining this thing, but it was so. he was on Xapur, and that fantastic heap of towering masonry was on Xapur,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/there-was-no-explaining-this-thing-but-it-was-so-he-was-on-xapur-and/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [“Gleaming shell of an outworn lie; fable of Right divine— You gained your crowns by heritage, but Blood was the price of mine. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/gleaming-shell-of-an-outworn-lie-fable-of-right-divine-you-gained/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) > [Civilization is a natural and inevitable consequence - whether good or evil I am not prepared to state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-e-howard/civilization-is-a-natural-and-inevitable-consequence-whether-good-or/) [Robert E. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) [Explore all 123 Robert E. Howard quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-e-howard/) ## More Civilization quotes > [What sets worlds in motion is the interplay of differences, their attractions and repulsions. Life is plurality, death is uniformity. By suppressing differences and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/octavio-paz/what-sets-worlds-in-motion-is-the-interplay-of-differences-their/) [Octavio Paz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/octavio-paz/) > [Sentiment is the mightiest force in civilization; not sentimentality, but sentiment. Women will bring this into politics. Home, sweet home, is as powerful on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judith-ellen-foster/sentiment-is-the-mightiest-force-in-civilization-not-sentimentality/) [Judith Ellen Foster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judith-ellen-foster/) > [Violence is not necessary to destroy a civilization. Each civilization dies from indifference toward the unique values which created it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicolas-gomez-davila/violence-is-not-necessary-to-destroy-a-civilization-each-civilization/) [Nicolas Gomez Davila](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicolas-gomez-davila/) > [“The voice in the head that never stops speaking becomes a civilization that is obsessed with form and therefore knows nothing of the most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eckhart-tolle/the-voice-in-the-head-that-never-stops-speaking-becomes-a/) [Eckhart Tolle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eckhart-tolle/) > [We released 400,000 classified documents, the most extraordinary history of a war to ever have been released in our civilization. Those documents cover 109,000…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julian-assange/we-released-400-000-classified-documents-the-most-extraordinary/) [Julian Assange](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julian-assange/) > [Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-hemingway/wine-is-one-of-the-most-civilized-things-in-the-world-and-one-of-the/) [Ernest Hemingway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-hemingway/) > [Whenever we touch nature we get clean. People who have got dirty through too much civilization take a walk in the woods, or a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-jung/whenever-we-touch-nature-we-get-clean-people-who-have-got-dirty/) [Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-jung/) > [The invention of gunpowder and the constant improvement of firearms are enough in themselves to show that the advance of civilization has done nothing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-von-clausewitz/the-invention-of-gunpowder-and-the-constant-improvement-of-firearms/) [Carl von Clausewitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-von-clausewitz/) > [Another success is the post-office, with its educating energy augmented by cheapness and guarded by a certain religious sentimentin mankind; so that the power…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/another-success-is-the-post-office-with-its-educating-energy/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [“The mission is, not to replace old world mindlessness with new world mindlessness, but to put an end to all forms of brainless authoritarianism.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/the-mission-is-not-to-replace-old-world-mindlessness-with-new-world/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [We are somehow the children of the planet, we are somehow its finest hour; we bind time, we bind the past, we anticipate the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terence-mckenna/we-are-somehow-the-children-of-the-planet-we-are-somehow-its-finest/) [Terence McKenna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terence-mckenna/) > [Our civilization, bequeathed to us by fierce adventurers, eaters of meat and hunters, is so full of hurry and combat, so busy about many…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-joyce/our-civilization-bequeathed-to-us-by-fierce-adventurers-eaters-of/) [James Joyce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-joyce/) > [Coal lay in ledges under the ground since the Flood, until a laborer with pick and windlass brings it to the surface. We may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/coal-lay-in-ledges-under-the-ground-since-the-flood-until-a-laborer/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [Once we allow ourselves to be disobedient to the test of an accountant's profit, we have begun to change our civilization.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-maynard-keynes/once-we-allow-ourselves-to-be-disobedient-to-the-test-of-an/) [John Maynard Keynes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-maynard-keynes/) > [Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-josiah-brewer/our-laws-and-our-institutions-must-necessarily-be-based-upon-and/) [David Josiah Brewer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-josiah-brewer/) [Browse all 4,084 Civilization quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Civilization is a network and a maze of precedences and custom.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Robert E. 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