Civilized Quote by Steven Erikson
““It is because we understand you, Toblakai, that we do not set the Hounds upon you. You bear your destiny like a standard, a grisly one, true, but then, its only distinction is in being obvious. Did you know that we too left civilization behind? The scribblers were closing in on all sides, you see. The clerks with their purple tongues and darting eyes, their shuffling feet and sloped shoulders, their bloodless lists. Oh, measure it all out! Acceptable levels of misery and suffering!’ The cane swung down, thumped hard on the ground. ‘Acceptable? Who the fuck says any level is acceptable? What sort of mind thinks that?’ Karsa grinned. ‘Why, a civilized one.’ ‘Indeed!’ Shadowthrone turned to Cotillion. ‘And you doubted this one!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Malazan Book of the Fallen – The Bonehunters”, 2006
A character questions the acceptance of suffering, exposing the absurdity of rationalizing misery.
In simple terms: Questioning why we accept suffering as normal.
Key Takeaway
Reject normalizing misery.
Themes
philosophy
morality
humanity
suffering
Mood
provocative
dark
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- social justice
- mental health
Key Concepts
existential questioning
ethical critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What standards define “acceptable” suffering?
- How can societies reject normalized misery?
A Different Perspective
Accepting suffering can perpetuate injustice.
![“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)
