The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-02
What is :Civiliza,ion 2"

Editor of The Times:
Sir.-ln the first place, it is word often
used. In the most confident way, by Deo-
pie who would be taken completely back
If asked to define its precise meaning. 1t
is In fact, impossible perhaps to give in
few words. no matter how well chosen. Il
definition of it that will cover the whole
ground. For it is most comprehensive
term. one which includes, when used in
its fullest sense, the idea of the proper
adjustment of every relation whatever be-
tween man and his fellows in society.
The best we have ever seen is given
by the celebrated Spanish writer, Balmes.
as profound a thinker as this century has
produced. According to his view, it en-
braces the following elements Of individ-
ual and national character.
The real basis of the highest civilization
is the idea that the individual citizen
simply by virtue of his manhood is a
being of innate dignity and worth OF
this truth the old pagan system had no
conception. They regarded the citizen
merely as a cog in a system of social
machinery. The state used him simply as
tool for the accomplishment of its own
purposes. without a thought of his natu-
raj aspirations, or Of his destiny as {.
rational being. If he stood in its way,
it did not hesitate to nail him to a cross
or to throw him to the lions
Christian civilization, or the contrary.
is based upon the fundamental idea that
man is entitled to respect. because he is.
made in the image Of his Creator. With
the conception which this truth gives him
OF his dignity. his destiny, and his re-
sponsiblities. the citizen Of the civilized
Christian community denies the right of
the state to ignore his personal aspira-
taions, or TO use him merely as its ire
sp0nsible tool, or to consider itself the only
nf oil h rio &c In a1r 70 no
right of no man or government SO to cur
tail his personal liberty as to prevent the
proper discharge Of those duties, for the
due performance of which he is primarily
and directly responsible to God. Any
interference with them he considers the
very essence of tyranny.
OF course these Fundamental ideas are
not always kept distinctly in mind, or
consciously acted on: nevertheless, they
are the seed which has produced as. its
final fruit that individuality. initiative
activity. energy and fruitful development
Of all his faculties. which are the char
acterstics Of the individual citizen in
the most highly civilized society.
Another feature of such a society is
that it does not consider woman as the
slave or the plaything of man, but as his
consort and worthy companion. 1t COM
pensates her for the duty of obedience by
the profound respect and the tender con-
sideration with which she IS regarded. AS
q defence to her helplessness. the family
tie is made constant. being protected by
the powerful guarantees of justice and
good order
: Another fea ture is an admirable pubic
conscience guided by the maNims of
lofty morality, by the laws of justice and
equity, and by sentiments of the highest
honor: a conscience which survives the
shipwreck Of private morality and which
never allows unblushinS corruption to
reach its full height.
The highest civilization is marked also
by a gentleness of manners, which in
peace makes life more Tranquil and
pleasing, ana in war prevents, cruelty and
excess. It cherishes that profound respect
for man. and for all that belongs to him.
which produces consideration even for his
feelings, which restraints acts of violence
against his person or his property and
makes them uncommon, and which pre-
vents governments from using un1ustly or
tyrannicallyi the power over him win
which they are entrusted.
In the highest civilization there Is a
restless desire for progress, striving for
greater excellence in all the departments
of life. the material as well as the intel
lectual and moral, a desire and tend
ency to improve the condition of. the
masses, ana an instructive impulse to-
protect the weak and to succor the unfor-3
tunate, which when unable to develop
Itself in action. produces In society feel
ing Of self-reproach akin to remorse.
3 Still another feature is q Ecosmopolitans
spirit and tendency to spropasandism;
generous impatience to anticipate the
future, producing an incessant5m movement
and agitation. which though sometimes
dangerous; are generally germs Of great,
benefits and symptoms OF strong prtn-
cfple {of life. ~
Such. according to profound studentzof
the subject, are the main constituent ele-
fnents of the truest civilizations That
some Of them are characteristic Of what
Is called Anglo Saxon civilization is UNI