The meaning of Civilization

trueBy Muhammad Fethullah Gulen

Civilization does not mean being rich and putting on fine airs, nor does it mean satisfying carnal desires and leading a luxurious, dissipated life.

What it really means is being civil and courteous, kind-hearted, profound in thought, and respectful to others.

Savage people are usually cruel, oppressive and bloodthirsty, as they usually live by plundering … However, what about those civilised savages equipped with modern weaponry, who are always seeking and finding subtle, deceiving ways of shedding blood?

Communities based on the joining of science and morality have always established true civilisations. For this reason, Western civilisation remains paralysed because it is based mainly on science, and Eastern (Asian) civilisations are not "true" because, in their present conditions, they have no scientific background.

The civilisation of the future will have to be founded upon a combination of Western science and Eastern faith and morality.

Civilisation means more than scientific advancement, modern means of transportation, ships, and living in large cities with skyscrapers. While such things may be adjuncts to civilization, it is folly and ignorance to identify civilisation with them.

If a given civilisation is not based on morality and virtue and nurtured in the pool of intelligence and conscience, it is no more than a passing flash of illuminations that serves a couple rich people and excites some thrill seekers. What a pity for those who are fooled by its blinking lights.

One becomes truly civilised only when all human virtues and potentialities have been developed to the degree that they become second nature. People who think that civilisation means indulging in all kinds of desires, and who identify it with outward forms and modern fashions, are those lacking in sound judgment and who have given in to their bodily desires.

This article is published in the book called Pearls of wisdom by M.Fethullah Gulen