It is the West that has liberated women, racial minorities, religious minorities, and gays and lesbians, recognizing and defending their rights. The notions of freedom and human rights were present at the dawn of Western civilization, as ideals at least, but have gradually come to fruition through supreme acts of self-criticism.

Discussions of Western civilization are too often confined to works of high art that reflect a relatively narrow element of public taste and experience.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: this triptych succinctly defines the attractiveness and superiority of Western civilization.

I always have tendency to form very strong local attachments, so I was very keen to find out about the school I was going to, its history, and the countryside. I was acquiring a kind of English character if you like, Englishness about things and my attitudes.

Each time you admire the façade of the New York Public Library, you are paying homage to Western civilization.

I think forgiveness plays a very important part in Western society and it comes from the Judeo Christian heritage.

By working and living in New York, you are breathing Western civilization, continuously reminded of its benefits and its values.