Marie Corelli

My "Little Bit" Marie Corelli

Civilisation is a great Word. It reads well-it is used everywhere-it bears itself proudly in the language. It is a big mouthful of arrogance and self-sufficiency. The very sound of it flatters our vanity and testifies to the good opinion we have of ourselves. We boast of "Civilisation" as if we were really civilised-just as we talk of "Christianity" as if we were really Christians. Yet it is all the veriest game of make-believe, for we are mere Savages still. Savages in "the lust of the eye and pride of life"-savages in our national prejudices and animosities, our jealousies, our greed and malice, and savages in our relentless efforts to over-reach or pull down each other in social and business relations. If any confirmation of such a statement be needed it is found in the fact that War is still permitted to exist. War is unquestionably the thrust and blow of untamed Savagery in the face of Civilisation.