Civilization (n.) is not a simple continuum. In addition to civilized societies and semi-civilized societies, there are pseudo-civilized societies.
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Civilization's (n.) enemy is less the external adversary as it is internal attrition.
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Civilization (n.) is not an endless succession of inventions and discoveries, but the task of ensuring that certain things endure.
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Civilization's (n.) defense consists, above all, in protecting it from man’s enthusiasm.
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Civilization (n.) is what old men manage to salvage from the onslaught of young idealists.
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