August 21, 2009
Civilization persists when there is a widespread sense of an ethical obligation on the part of the present generation for the well-being of the third generation — their own grandchildren. A society where this feeling is not widespread may last as a civilization for some time — indeed, for one or two generations it might thrive spectacularly. But inevitably, a society acknowledging no transgenerational commitment to the future will decay and decline from within." -- Lee Harris, The Future of Tradition
Posted by Vanderleun at August 21, 2009 9:37 PM. This is an entry on the sideblog of American Digest: Check it out.