The model of modern Western civilization is the virus: the pure bit of information, which turns its environment into endless reproductions of itself.

Civilization could not exist until there was written language, because without written language no generation could bequeath to succeeding generations anything but its simpler findings.

Why build these cities glorious If man unbuilded goes? In vain we build the world, unless The builder also grows.

Civilization is the making of civil persons.

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

The first human being who hurled a curse instead of a weapon ... was the founder of civilization.

The flush toilet is the basis of Western civilization.

We are born princes and the civilizing process makes us frogs.

Civilization is the acceptance and the encouragement of differences.

Civilization is hideously fragile ... there's not much between us and the horrors underneath, just about a coat of varnish.