There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation.
Herbert SpencerRead
Civilization is a progress from an indefinite, incoherent homogeneity toward a definite, coherent heterogeneity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Civilization evolves from uniformity to diversity and complexity.
Herbert Spencer's quote suggests that the development of civilization is characterized by a shift from a simple, undifferentiated state to a more complex, diverse, and organized one. This progression highlights the dynamic nature of societal growth, where initial homogeneity gives way to the rich variety of cultures, ideas, and structures that define advanced societies.
Themes
CivilizationProgressDiversityHomogeneityHeterogeneity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a lecture on sociology or cultural studies to emphasize the importance of diversity in civilization.
More from Herbert Spencer
All quotes βNo one can be perfectly free till all are free; no one can be perfectly moral till all are moral; no one can be perfectly happy till all are happy.
Herbert SpencerRead
That feelings of love and hate make rational judgments impossible in public affairs, as in private affairs, we can clearly enough see in others, though not so clearly in ourselves.
Herbert SpencerRead
Be it or be it not true that Man is shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin, it is unquestionably true that Government is begotten of aggression, and by aggression.
Herbert SpencerRead
Organs, faculties, powers, capacities, or whatever else we call them; grow by use and diminish from disuse, it is inferred that they will continue to do so. And if this inference is unquestionable, then is the one above deduced from it-that humanity must in the end become completely adapted to its conditions-unquestionable also. Progress, therefore, is not an accident, but a necessity.
Herbert SpencerRead
This survival of the fittest implies multiplication of the fittest.
Herbert SpencerRead
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