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civilized
November 2009 
Civilized & Uncivilized.
Posted on Sep 4th, 2008
by 
Ian Gardner
Ian Gardner
If we look in a good dictionary at the definition of ‘civilize’ we find that very few who claim to be civilized are, in fact, civilized! In fact, after critical scrutiny, we find that it is the so-called uncivilized who are the truly civilized ones - the so-called civilized ones being simply technologically advanced.
Note:
From The 21st. Century Chambers Dictionary.
civilize or civilise. verb. (civilized, civilizing) 1. to lead out of a state of barbarity to a more advanced stage of social development. 2. to educate and enlighten morally, intellectually and spiritually.
Access: PublicTagged with: Civilized?, Uncivilized?
A very wise thought Sir…!
This is a good definition. I like the definition of culture as well. Travelling on our global island it is good to have the customs of each group we will be visiting as well as writing to others here a way to have reality with each.
Touchy subject area Ian. We can use the more developed and less developed approach but as you have indicated it does not account for much other than technology. I would however advise that you do not get carried away with the “Noble Savage” Story . By definition we are all contemporary cultures and “contact” has saturated the furthest reaches of our planet. You may want to read Brunner on the subject of narrative and the “Old Story” and newer modifications of our definition of the “other”, if this area is of interest to you.
I apologize for taking this off topic. It is defining civilized and uncivilized; just reminded me of when I was looking at the word culture and it said the spirit over a particular group. Thank you for the in put on book suggestion.
Hi Alex,
Touchy? Oh no, it only becomes 'touchy' when emotions enter the picture!
'Noble Savage' etc. are merely labels we need to use to communicate and labels have as many implications as there are people!!
we are all contemporary cultures and “contact” - This is all to do with the melding of all such things (and includes skin colour) and in the context of the non-existence of time (in Reality) and the existence of 'now' only we ar always in the melting pot of learning that is life.
However, the purpose of my original comment was to draw attention to a common, simple, misconception.
Great to see contributions - the enquiring mind is a very important tool, and one seldom used!
Just like Nelim sais, it is a nice thought Mr. Ian. Sometimes I do feel the same. we who claim ouselves to be really modern and civiliesed are most of the time, just mere meterialists, and are going after wealth and fame only.
Thanks for your nice thoughtful sharing :)
Much Love
Dhammadipa (Joyadip)
Hi !
I agree with you I an. The another thing that I want to point is that he meaning of rich. In the south asia we are taught that the rich means the people who have money and the poor are those who do not have money. So this defination acts as a seed to declare ourself as poor if we do not have money. When we think we are poor and when we look to ourself with that feeling of poor we always find ourself poor in terms of everyting. We are never taught that richness comes from the heart not from the money if we live in small hut and if we have big enough heart to carry whole universe than we are rich in terms of everything.
Still richness is comapred with money which i think is very false.
Hi Biranjan,
Yes, for a long time money has been god! To illustrate the other side of riches let me quote what I once told my wealthy brother, “In the autumn of my life I am richer than any amount of riches could have made me.”
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