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If civilization has an opposite, it is war.
Ursula K. Le Guin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Civilization and war are opposing forces in human society.

In this quote, Ursula K. Le Guin asserts that war is the antithesis of civilization, highlighting the contrast between the structured, peaceful, and progress-oriented nature of civilization and the chaos, destruction, and regression brought about by war. This dichotomy prompts reflection on the fundamental values of society and the ways in which conflict undermines human advancement.

Themes

CivilizationWarOppositePeaceConflict

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the value of peace in promoting a civilized society.

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When he found that the administrators were upset, he laughed. β€œDo they expect students not to be anarchists?” he said. β€œWhat else can the young be? When you are on the bottom, you must organize from the bottom up
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Quote by Ursula K. Le Guin | QuoteProject