A general definition of civilization: a civilized society is exhibiting the five qualities of truth, beauty, adventure, art, peace.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A civilized society is defined by five key qualities: truth, beauty, adventure, art, and peace.
- In plain terms
- Civilization needs truth, beauty, adventure, art, and peace.
- What can you take from it?
- Build societies based on these five values.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Which value is hardest to achieve?
- How do you measure civilization?
Another view
Not all societies prioritize these specific qualities.
More from Alfred North Whitehead
The human body is an instrument for the production of art in the life of the human soul.
Permalink to quote #47 The deliberate aim at Peace very easily passes into its bastard substitute, Anesthesia.
Permalink to quote #49 ... the kingdom of heaven is with us today.
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