We must, then, apply the principle of Doubt to Civilization; we must doubt its necessity, its excellence, and its permanence.

Despots prefer the friendship of the dog, who, unjustly mistreated and debased, still loves and serves the man who wronged him.

Civilization is a social plague on the planet, and vices are just as necessary to it as is a virus to disease.

Hosts of merchants encumber the cities, and the streets are cluttered with solicitors who swarm without limit or purpose.

We must, then, apply the principle of Doubt to Civilization; we must doubt its necessity, its excellence, and its permanence.

One could judge the degree of civilization of a country by the social and political position of its women

Any civilized administration, however organized, prefers its own good to that of the people.