"Indeed, we may regard it as an axiom, that the knowledge which is anywhere possessed of the art of healing, is the measure of the refinement and civilization to which the people have attained. Man is civilized by virtue of social relations; and refinement is the becoming divested from grossness, vulgarity, and the evil manners which are characteristic and incident to a living for one's self alone. Selfishness is savagery; and a state of society in which self-interest is the ruling element is hardly yet reclaimed from the state of barbarism. It is of little avail to appeal to skill in mechanics, engineering, and other attainments in the plane of material evolution. These are not adequate proof of spiritual advancement. Kindly sentiment toward others, sincere regard for their welfare, charity in will and act, make the only real culture and civilization. The art and technique of healing proceed from these qualities, and cannot flourish apart from them."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Alexander Wilder, History of Medicine: A Brief Outline of Medical History and Sects of Physicians, from the Earliest Historic Period; with an Extended Account of the New Schools of the Healing Art in the Nineteenth Century, and Especially a History of American Eclectic Practice of Medicine, Never Before Published (1901)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Civilization
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Civilization
97 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Civilization →
Related Quotes
"All of our exalted technological progress, civilization for that matter, is comparable to an axe in the hand of a pat…"
"Man acts because he believes that his actions will bring forth certain results. The bird builds its nest because it a…"
"Incorrigible humanity, therefore, led astray by the giant Nimrod, presumed in its heart to outdo in skill not only na…"
"Only among those who were engaged in a particular activity did their language remain unchanged; so, for inÂstance, th…"
"They have things like the atom bomb! So, I'll think I'll stay where I am. Civilization? I'll stay right here!"
"The triumph of the industrial arts will advance the cause of civilization more rapidly than its warmest advocates cou…"
"It is essential that all thinking people should give time and thought to the consideration of the major world problem…"
"It must be recognized that the cause of all world unrest, of the world wars which have wrecked humanity, and the wide…"
"If we mark civilisation to be the state in which men have the steam-engine, or printing, or guns, or any of the highe…"
"Civilization is at the cross-roads. The issues are now so obvious that no argument is necessary. Forces of tyranny ar…"