The world survived the fall of the Roman empire and will no doubt outlast our own so much more splendid civilisation. Download Download Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Rotate quotes civilisation doubt empire
To give money to a woman - and here I must speak as a man - is to deny her special quality, her irreplaceability, and reduce her unique amiability to a commodity. Money takes away her name, while transforming her lover into a nameless customer of a market of appetites. James Buchan amiabilityappetitecommodity share on social
There are signs that the age of petroleum has passed its zenith. Adjusted for inflation, a barrel of crude oil now sells for three times its long-run average. The large western oil companies, which cartellised the industry for much of the 20th century, are now selling more oil than they find, and are thus in the throes of liquidation. James Buchan 20thadjustage share on social
A century ago, petroleum - what we call oil - was just an obscure commodity; today it is almost as vital to human existence as water. James Buchan agocallcentury Change image and share on social
The question is not whether Tibet should be independent but the extent of the autonomy that it is allowed. Tibet has been firmly ensconced as part of the Chinese empire since the Qing dynasty's military intervention in Tibet in the early 18th century. Martin Jacques 18thallowautonomy share on social
Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters. Isaac Bashevis Singer doubtdoubterpart Change image and share on social
I'm considered homophobic and crazy about these things and old fashioned. But I think that the family - father, mother, children - is fundamental to our civilisation. Rupert Murdoch childcivilisationconsider Change image and share on social