W Durant A Great Civilization Quote Meaning
Introduction
William James Durant, also known as Will Durant, was an American writer, historian, and philosopher. He is best known for his book "The Story of Civilization," which he co-wrote with his wife, Ariel Durant. The book covers the history of human civilization from ancient times to the present day. In this article, we will explore one of the most famous quotes by Will Durant, "A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within."
Meaning of the Quote
The quote by Will Durant means that a great civilization is not destroyed by external forces until it has weakened itself from within. In other words, the downfall of a civilization is not caused by its enemies, but by its own internal problems, such as corruption, social unrest, and moral decay. When a civilization becomes weak from within, it becomes vulnerable to external threats, and it can be conquered by its enemies. This quote is a warning to all civilizations to be vigilant about their internal problems and to address them before they become too great to handle.
Examples of Great Civilizations That Destroyed Themselves from Within
There have been many great civilizations throughout history that have destroyed themselves from within. One example is the Roman Empire, which was once one of the most powerful empires in the world. However, it became corrupt and decadent, and its rulers became more concerned with their own pleasure and wealth than with the welfare of their people. This led to social unrest, economic decline, and military weakness, which made the empire vulnerable to external threats. Eventually, the Roman Empire was conquered by barbarian tribes, and it collapsed.
Another example is the Mayan civilization, which flourished in present-day Mexico and Central America from about 2000 BC to 1500 AD. The Mayans were skilled farmers, astronomers, and architects, but they also had a complex social hierarchy and a rigid religious system. As the population grew, the Mayan cities became more crowded, and the resources became scarce. The rulers became more oppressive, and the people became more rebellious. This led to civil wars, and the Mayan civilization declined and eventually disappeared.
Lessons from the Quote
The quote by Will Durant teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us that no civilization is invincible, and that all civilizations are vulnerable to internal problems. Second, it warns us that external threats are not the only danger to a civilization, and that internal problems can be just as deadly. Third, it encourages us to be vigilant about our own civilization and to identify and address its internal problems before they become too great to handle. Fourth, it reminds us that history is full of examples of civilizations that destroyed themselves from within, and that we can learn from these examples to avoid making the same mistakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the quote by Will Durant, "A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within," is a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing internal problems in a civilization. It is a warning to all civilizations to be vigilant and to address their internal problems before they become too great to handle. By learning from the mistakes of past civilizations, we can ensure that our own civilization survives and thrives for generations to come.