Barbarians Quote by Walter Lippmann
“Men have been barbarians much longer than they have been civilized. They are only precariously civilized, and within us there is the propensity, persistent as the force of gravity, to revert under stress and strain, under neglect or temptation, to our first natures.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Public Opinion, Walter Lippmann, 1922
Human nature retains primal instincts that surface under pressure, despite superficial civility.
In simple terms: We revert to basic instincts when stressed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage stress triggers.
Themes
human nature
civilization
stress
instincts
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- workplace conflict
- personal crises
- political upheaval
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
psychology
social behavior
gravity metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain civility under pressure?
- What structures support lasting civility?
A Different Perspective
Civilized behavior can be fragile and context‑dependent.
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