civilization

Unless man in the midst of all his modernism finds a middle ground upon which to adjust his differences, there can be no mutual progress, human liberty is sacrificed and talent and freewill suffer. Improvement of the standards of living of the whole people is paramount, if civilization is to escape world fanaticism.

To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of civilization.

Civilization is a movement and not a condition, a voyage and not a harbor.

A civilization is built on what is required of men, not on that which is provided for them.

TYPE, n. Pestilent bits of metal suspected of destroying civilization and enlightenment, despite their obvious agency in this incomparable dictionary.

SYLPH, n. An immaterial but visible being that inhabited the air when the air was an element and before it was fatally polluted with factory smoke, sewer gas and similar products of civilization.

SAUCE, n. The one infallible sign of civilization and enlightenment. A people with no sauces has one thousand vices; a people with one sauce has only nine hundred and ninety-nine. For every sauce invented and accepted a vice is renounced and forgiven.

OYSTER, n. A slimy, gobby shellfish which civilization gives men the hardihood to eat without removing its entrails! The shells are sometimes given to the poor.

NOISE, n. A stench in the ear. Undomesticated music. The chief product and authenticating sign of civilization.

LOCK-AND-KEY, n. The distinguishing device of civilization and enlightenment.