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About this quote

What does it mean?
Howard argues civilization is fragile and violent nature prevails.
In plain terms
People pretend to be civilized but violence will win out eventually.
What can you take from it?
Assume order is temporary and chaos is natural.

Where it applies

  • history
  • politics
  • survival

Putting it to work

  • prepare for disorder
  • maintain strength
  • question progress

Questions to consider

  • Is violence natural or learned?
  • Can civilization last forever?

Another view

History shows civilization can endure for millennia.

More from Robert E. Howard

  1. I have known many gods. He who denies them is as blind as he who trusts them too deeply. I seek not beyond death. It may be the blackness averred by the Nemedi…

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  2. Aye, you white dog, you are like all your race; but to a black man gold can never pay for blood.

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  3. [The] chief [of the gods of Cimmeria] is Crom. He dwells on a great mountain. What use to call on him? Little he cares if men live or die. Better to be silent …

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