Logo - Feel The Words

Civilized Quotes

On society, manners and ethics

These civilized quotes question whether gambling reveals Barbarians hiding beneath a polished surface.

Gambling is a disease of barbarians superficially civilized.

Quotes by William Inge

Free and civilized societies do not hold prisoners incommunicado.

Quotes by Tom McClintock

A lot of my writing is not terribly civilized.

Quotes by Suzanne Vega

Standing up to bullies is the hallmark of a civilized society.

Quotes by Robert Reich

Barbarians Quotes

I like things that are civilized.

Quotes by Martha Plimpton

We do not consider patriotism desirable if it contradicts civilized behavior.

Quotes by Friedrich Durrenmatt

Frequently Asked Questions

How does one quote link gambling to being civilized?
One quote calls gambling a disease of barbarians who are only superficially civilized, suggesting that certain behaviors reveal a rougher nature hiding beneath polished manners.
What do these quotes say about civilized societies and prisoners?
One quote argues that a truly open, civilized society never keeps prisoners cut off from outside contact, treating basic transparency and rights as a core marker of true civilization rather than optional courtesy.
Is writing described as civilized in this collection?
Not always - one quote admits that a lot of personal writing isn't terribly civilized, suggesting that honest creative work can be rough, raw, or unpolished by design.
Do these quotes treat 'civilized' as a purely positive label?
Mostly, yes - one quote simply states a preference for things that are civilized, treating orderliness and manners as generally desirable. But paired with the gambling quote, the collection also questions how deep that civility really goes.
What's the overall message across these civilized quotes?
Together, these quotes suggest civilization is judged less by appearances and more by real behavior, from how societies treat prisoners to what habits people allow themselves. That tension between surface and substance runs through the whole idea of being Free and civilized.

Others insist that holding prisoners incommunicado has no place in a truly Free society.