Kultura i cywilizacja : od Cycerona do Konecznego

Culture provides the large-scale framework for memory and meaning. It aids in the creation of new knowledge, but it also acts as a filter that over time determines what is of long-term value from the social perspective.

Nor do institutions make a civilization, for this has risen under a diversity, even a contrariety, of institutions, as in monarchical Egypt and “democratic” Athens. The rise, success, decline, and fall of a civilization depend upon the inherent quality of the race.

‘civilization’ derives from Latin civilis, which actually refers to those qualities of political wisdom and mutual aid that permit societies to organize themselves through voluntary coalition. In other words, it originally meant the type of qualities exhibited by Andean ayllu associations or Basque villages, rather than Inca courtiers or Shang dyna

This process paralleled the general evolution of cultural consciousness,

C’est l’histoire qui fait l’identité du genre humain, « le trésor de l’expérience générale, précieux héritage qui s’accroît toujours en passant de main en main38 ». C’est pourquoi « l’éducation doit rattacher le présent au passé et préparer l’avenir ».

Modern culture is the most powerful in history, and it is ceaselessly researching, inventing, discovering and growing. At the same time, it is plagued by more existential angst than any previous culture.