Keith, This discussion with Ed is delightful. I have been enjoying it. It looks as if civilization to Huntington is culture in the sense of a bunch of whit-haired blokes in bathrobes sitting around thinking and communicating great thoughts.
He describes civilization as synonymous with culture, which I would suggest is not too helpful, for cultures can be so different. So "civilizations" will be different. I prefer to equate civilization with cooperation. A civilization can have multiple races, every type of religion, a bunch of languages, many peculiar political systems, but so long as they are all linked by peaceful trade, they may call themselves a civilization. (Though they probably wouldn't.) Inasmuch as cooperation between people is increasing and free movement and free exchange become the norm, it may be called an advancing civilization. Yet, as barriers to cooperation are erected, and coercion becomes the norm, so can a civilization be considered in decline. I do think that civilization produces the culture, rather than being it. As a civilization advances, I would expect many more people who can work on Bach sonatas. I would also expect a lot more Bachs. But then - that's impossible isn't it? Harry ****************************** Harry Pollard Henry George School of LA Box 655 Tujunga CA 91042 Tel: (818) 352-4141 Fax: (818) 353-2242 *******************************
