A great civilization is not
“
A great civilization is not conquered from without until
it has destroyed itself from within.
”
Meaning
This quote means internal decay and self-destruction make a civilization vulnerable to outside defeat.
About Author
Will Durant
Will Durant was an American historian, philosopher, and writer, best known for The Story of Civilization series. His quotes often reflect knowledge, wisdom, and the importance of learning from history. Durant inspires scholars, students, and readers to explore human civilization, embrace intellectual curiosity, and apply historical insights to modern life.
Related Quotes
“ Civilization is a stream with banks. The stream is sometimes filled with blood from people killing, stealing, shouting, while on the banks, unnoticed, people build homes, raise children, sing songs, write poetry, and generally live. ”
This quote means societies are shaped both by conflict and by quiet acts of construction—most progress happens unnoticed.
“ Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance. ”
This quote means learning grows by revealing what you don’t know yet—ignorance is uncovered, not ignored.
“ A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within. ”
This quote means internal decay and self-destruction make a civilization vulnerable to outside defeat.