Subject
Civilization Books
Best books
Edward B. (Edward Burnett) Tylor
Anthropology : $b an introduction to the study of man and civilization
"Anthropology: An Introduction to the Study of Man and Civilization" by Edward B. Tylor is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book explores the multifaceted subject of anthropology, focusing on human beings and their civilizations across different cultures and historical periods. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the elements that make up humanity, including aspects of language, race, and culture. The opening of the book serves as a preface, where Tylor discusses the importance of anthropology in education and how it ties together various fields of study under a unified understanding of humanity. He explains that understanding the history and development of man's place in the world makes the learning process easier and more coherent. Tylor emphasizes that anthropology is not just an added burden but a means to integrate knowledge across disciplines, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of mankind's physical, social, and cultural evolution throughout history.
Lewis Henry Morgan
Ancient society : $b or, Researches in the lines of human progress from savagery, through barbarism to civilization
"Ancient Society: or, Researches in the lines of human progress from savagery" by Lewis H. Morgan is an anthropological work published in 1877. Building on his earlier kinship research, Morgan proposes that human societies progress through three universal stages: Savagery, Barbarism, and Civilization. He develops this theory by comparing what he calls "ethna"—inventions, discoveries, and institutions—across different cultures. His ideas profoundly influenced European thinkers including Marx and Engels, shaping debates about social evolution and human development that continue to resonate in anthropology today.
C. A. (Cecil Alec) Mace
Sibylla : $b or, The revival of prophecy
"Sibylla : or, The revival of prophecy by C. A. Mace" is a speculative essay written in the early 20th century. It proposes that “prophecy” can be revived as disciplined scientific forecasting, arguing that modern science and psychology will increasingly predict—and deliberately shape—the future of society, industry, education, politics, and even human nature. Mace surveys recent “prophetic” thinking, contrasts gadget-focused futurism with biologically minded forecasts, and then sketches a coming revolution: the scientific management of mind and behavior. Using examples from industrial psychology, he shows how incentives, environment, and subtle social levers can steer work, policy, and public opinion, predicting propaganda refined into a precise art, humor as a political weapon, and war fought mainly by psychological means. He foresees education reorganized around natural rhythms and lifelong study, a tight weave of factory–school–clinic guidance, and universities challenged by mass broadcasting. He extends this control to eugenics and selection, speculates on altered senses, memory, and specialized languages, and traces moral trends toward reduced cruelty and self-conscious, cooler emotions. Society, he suggests, will stratify into a small, tested technocratic elite and a contented majority, with sport fading as work and play merge under scientific planning. He closes by questioning whether such mastery brings happiness or virtue, noting that desire expands as achievement does, leaving fulfillment perpetually just out of reach.
Henry S. Salt
Seventy Years Among Savages
"Seventy Years Among Savages" by Henry S. Salt is a reflective memoir written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles Salt's decades-long experience among what he perceives to be "savage" peoples, delving into the contradictions and brutalities of civilization compared to the cultures he describes. The work aims to provoke thought about societal norms, ethical treatment of animals, and what it truly means to be civilized. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for Salt's introspective journey, detailing his gradual awakening to the barbarity present in his so-called civilized society. He describes a life spent in a seemingly untamed land, coming to grips with the harsh realities of human behavior and the often unacknowledged atrocities of society, particularly concerning dietary practices and treatment of animals. Salt introduces the idea that many civilized behaviors mask deeper instincts, and he feels a profound sense of loneliness in realizing that the customs he once accepted without question are rooted in savagery. The narrative suggests that genuine understanding of one's surroundings—or the "truth" of civilization—can be both enlightening and isolating.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Anticipations of the reaction of mechanical and scientific progress upon human life and thought
"Anticipations of the Reaction of Mechanical and Scientific Progress upon Human Life and Thought" by H.G. Wells is a work of social prophecy published in 1901. At thirty-four, Wells predicted how technological revolution would transform twentieth-century society. He forecast the rise of motor vehicles, suburban sprawl, and shifting class structures. Wells envisioned new forms of warfare, the obsolescence of democracy, and the emergence of a scientifically trained governing class. His predictions proved remarkably prescient, though his social philosophy remains controversial.
Frank W. (Frank Wilson) Blackmar
History of Human Society
"History of Human Society" by Frank W. Blackmar is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of human civilization, examining how societies have developed from primitive beginnings to modern complexities. It provides an overarching perspective on the structure and progress of human societies, emphasizing the collective achievements and challenges faced by humanity throughout history. The opening of the text establishes a framework for understanding civilization, describing it as a continuous process that encompasses the triumphs and struggles of humanity. Blackmar discusses the significance of cooperation among individuals and social groups in achieving advancements, highlighting the various factors that contribute to civilization's progress, such as the development of social orders, ethical codes, and technological innovations. He introduces the concept of civilization not merely as a fixed state but as a dynamic journey marked by continual growth and adaptation in response to shifting ideals and conditions. This foundational chapter sets the stage for in-depth explorations of specific historical developments and their implications for modern society.
Robert Harry Lowie
Culture & Ethnology
"Culture & Ethnology" by Robert H. Lowie is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work aims to popularize ethnology by explaining cultural phenomena through a series of lectures delivered in 1917 at the American Museum of Natural History. It discusses fundamental concepts of culture, including its relationship with psychology, race, and environment, emphasizing that culture is a complex construct defined by the behaviors, beliefs, and practices acquired by humans in society. The opening of the text presents Lowie's intent to clarify the concept of culture within the framework of modern ethnological work, directly addressing the significance of culture and its applicability to both primitive and contemporary societies. Lowie underscores that while psychology provides insights into individual behavior, it falls short of fully explaining cultural phenomena, which are often collective and shaped by societal influences rather than innate traits. Thus, he sets the stage to explore various determinants of culture, intending to distinguish between the innate and learned behaviors that comprise cultural identities.
Edward Carpenter
Civilisation: Its Cause and Cure; and Other Essays
"Civilisation: Its Cause and Cure; and Other Essays" by Edward Carpenter is a critical examination of societal constructs written in the late 19th century. The work reflects on the state of civilization, suggesting it may be a disease that humanity must traverse, positing that civilizations have historically succumbed to various ailments and that true health may be rediscovered by returning to more primitive ways of living. Through essays that explore the nature of society, science, and morality, Carpenter argues for a new understanding of what constitutes human well-being. The opening of the volume presents a thought-provoking preface where Carpenter recalls the reception of his initial work, "Civilisation," which was delivered as a lecture to the Fabian Society. He suggests that civilization, once viewed as an ideal condition, has instead shown itself to be fraught with disease-like symptoms, including social discord and individualism, which detracts from the unity of human nature. Carpenter poignantly asserts that the physical and mental struggles of modern society indicate a need for re-evaluation and a potential reversion back to a state more closely aligned with nature, advocating for a deeper examination of personal and collective health as humanity moves forward.
Unknown
Die Welt in hundert Jahren
"Die Welt in hundert Jahren" by Arthur Brehmer and Ernst Lübbert is a speculative work written in the late 19th century. The book gathers insights from various contributors on the possible future of humanity and technological advancements, painting an elaborate picture of life a century ahead. It discusses themes related to societal progress, the role of machines, and the evolution of human relationships within the context of rapid scientific and cultural changes. The opening of this work presents a philosophical foreword that anticipates advancements in human civilization, focusing on both technological innovations and ethical evolution. It emphasizes mankind's aspirations to foresee the future based on the current trajectory of developments, suggesting that greater mechanization and a societal shift towards humanitarianism will lead to a world transformed by compassion and cooperation. The text introduces concepts such as the decline of warfare, the rise of social responsibility, and the unifying strength of technological progress which will shape daily life and human interactions in the coming century.
Bertrand Russell
Icarus : $b or, The future of science
"Icarus; or, The Future of Science" by Bertrand Russell is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The book explores the implications of scientific advancement and its potential consequences for humanity, reflecting on the dual nature of science as both a source of progress and a potential catalyst for destruction. In this work, Russell draws comparisons between the myth of Icarus and the present trajectory of scientific development, suggesting that without ethical considerations and a rational framework, humanity risks repeating Icarus's folly. He discusses the significant impact of the physical sciences on society, including industrialism, nationalism, and the organization of power, while expressing skepticism about whether science will ultimately promote human happiness or further exacerbate societal issues. Russell warns that the empowerment of rulers through scientific advances can lead to greater oppression and social unrest, highlighting the need for a compassionate humanist perspective in the age of science.
Unknown
Recent Developments in European Thought
"Recent Developments in European Thought" by Francis Sydney Marvin is a collection of essays arranged and edited to explore the evolution of Western thought, written in the early 20th century. This volume builds on previous works, offering a comprehensive analysis of significant ideas and changes in various domains such as politics, science, and philosophy from approximately 1870 to the end of World War I. The overarching theme is to examine the complexities of progress and unity within European civilization during a time marked by conflict and intellectual revival. The opening of this work establishes its academic nature, noting that it originated from a series of lectures and aims to provide insights into intellectual movements post-1870, particularly in light of the impacts of the Franco-Prussian War and World War I. Marvin introduces the notion that despite the chaos of war, an unprecedented growth of knowledge in science, politics, and philosophy has occurred, linking these developments to a broader social and spiritual evolution. He highlights major milestones, including the rise of Darwin's theories, the struggles for workers' rights, and shifts in literary and historical thought, suggesting that intellectual advancement continues alongside societal challenges.
E. E. (Edmund Edward) Fournier d'Albe
Quo vadimus? : $b Some glimpses of the future
"Quo vadimus? : Some glimpses of the future" by E. E. Fournier d'Albe is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores various possible trajectories for humanity's future, delving into the impacts of science, society, and the environment on human progress. It poses profound questions about our fate and adaptability as a species. In this thought-provoking work, Fournier d'Albe examines the survival prospects of humanity over millions of years, emphasizing that while environmental changes may threaten other species, humans possess a unique ability to adapt. He discusses various influences on human existence such as psychological factors, the necessity of food and procreation, and the significance of continued intellectual and social advancement. The author forecasts significant developments in technology, society, and global unity, leading to a future where humanity thrives under one government, eliminates disease, and experiences longer lifespans. However, he also warns against potential internal threats to our existence, suggesting that humanity’s downfall may arise from its own will rather than external forces. Ultimately, the book calls for a vision of collective human progress and collaboration, urging readers to ponder the direction in which we are headed and the implications of our choices.
Recently surfaced classics