Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Howard claims civilization removes consequences for rudeness.
- In plain terms
- People are rude because laws stop them from fighting back.
- What can you take from it?
- Safety lets people act worse without paying the price.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why are people polite?
- Does safety breed rudeness?
Another view
Many polite people are courteous without fear.
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