A Cynic Looks at Life

"The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of petitio
principii, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do
that from the doing of which it has its name. But it is not necessary to suppose
that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of
digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes
to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of
intelligence in the interpretation."

- Excerpted from "A Cynic Looks at Life"