Barbarism Quote by Walter Benjamin
““There is no document of civilization which is not at the same time a document of barbarism. And just as such a document is not free of barbarism, barbarism taints also the manner in which it was transmitted. A historical materialist therefore dissociates himself from it as far as possible. He regards it as his task to brush history against the grain.””
About This Quote
Civilization’s records also reveal barbarism; historians should critically examine and separate the two.
In simple terms: History shows both culture and cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess historical sources.
Themes
history
civilization
barbarism
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- teaching
- policy making
- media reporting
Key Concepts
materialist critique
critical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we identify bias in historical documents?
- What responsibilities do historians have to expose barbarism?
A Different Perspective
Complete objectivity is impossible.
![“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)
