Arnold J. Toynbee, (1889-1975) British historian Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-7] of 7 Arnold J. Toynbee quotesArnold J. Toynbee QuotesArnold J. Toynbee Civilization is a movement, not a condition; it is a voyage, not a harbor.~ Arnold J. Toynbee The human race's prospects of survival were considerably better when we were defenceless against tigers than they are today when we have become defenceless against ourselves.~ Arnold J. Toynbee The last stage but one of every civilisation, is characterised by the forced political unification of its constituent parts, into a single greater whole.~ Arnold J. Toynbee The Radical creed, as I understand it, is this: We have not abandoned our old belief in liberty, justice, and Self-help, but we say that under certain conditions the people cannot help themselves, and that then they should be helped by the State representing directly the whole people. In giving this State help, we make three conditions: first, the matter must be one of primary social importance; next, it must be proved to be practicable; thirdly, the State interference must not diminish self-reliance. Even if the chance should arise of removing a great social evil, nothing must be done to weaken those habits of individual self-reliance and voluntary association which have built up the greatness of the English people.~ Arnold J. Toynbee An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.~ Arnold J. Toynbee To a reluctant admission of the necessity for State action, we join a burning belief in duty, and a deep spiritual ideal of life. And we have more than an abstract belief in duty, we do not hesitate to unite the advocacy of social reform with an appeal to the various classes who compose society to perform those duties without which all social reform must be merely delusive.~ Arnold J. Toynbee We differ from Tory Socialism in so far as we are in favour, not of paternal, but of fraternal government, and we differ from Continental Socialism because we accept the principle of private property, and repudiate confiscation and violence. With Mazzini, we say the worst feature in Continental Socialism is its materialism. It is this indeed which utterly separates English Radical Socialists from Continental Socialists — our abhorrence and detestation of their materialistic ideal.~ Arnold J. Toynbee Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print