Civilisation is a western invention

Statement

Civilization is a Western invention: only Western civilizations meet all the criteria of a true civilization. This statement challenges the commonly accepted understanding of civilization as a universal concept. The characteristics we associate with civilization—urban development, common means of communication, administrative infrastructure, division of labor, developed cities, specialized workers, complex institutions, record-keeping, advanced technologies—were developed and perfected in the West.

For example, the concept of urban development, a key characteristic of civilization, was significantly advanced in the West. Cities, the birthplaces of the first civilizations, emerged and developed through trade. Ancient city dwellers, leading a non-nomadic lifestyle, relied on trade, producing various goods for exchange. This early form of economy, where trade was used as a form of currency, was a Western innovation.

Another characteristic of civilization is the development of complex institutions. As city populations grew, systems of governance or authority were needed to maintain order. Leaders emerged who created laws and ensured their enforcement. Such a system of government, or bureaucracy, is a hallmark of civilization, and no civilization exemplifies this better than Ancient Rome.

Record-keeping, another key characteristic of civilization, was also a Western development. Records were necessary for accounting for trade goods and storing food supplies. The oldest known written language in the world, cuneiform, was developed by the Sumerians, a civilization of the Middle East often considered part of the Western world due to its influence on Greece and Rome.

In conclusion, while components of civilization may have arisen in different places, the West assembled them into the coherent system we know today. For example, democracy, a cornerstone of modern civilization, originated in Ancient Greece. Therefore, it can be said that civilization is a Western invention.

Terms

• Civilization: A complex society characterized by urban development, social stratification, a form of government, and symbolic systems of communication such as writing. Example: Ancient Rome is a civilization known for its advanced governance and infrastructure.

• Western: Pertaining to the cultures of Europe and America, especially in terms of political, economic, and cultural influence. Example: The United States is considered a Western country due to its European roots and global influence.

• Democracy: A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. Example: The United States operates a democratic system where citizens vote for their leaders.

Analogy

Imagine civilization as a game of chess. The pieces and rules were not invented in one place, but the game as we know it today, with its strategies and competitive nature, was standardized in the West. Just like in chess, the components of civilization may have arisen in different places, but the West assembled them into the coherent system we know today.

Common Misconception

Many believe that civilization is a universal concept that developed independently in different parts of the world. However, this overlooks the fact that many of these so-called civilizations lacked key features such as writing or organized governance. For example, indigenous tribes of Australia, despite having rich and complex cultures, did not develop these features and, therefore, from this perspective, are not considered civilizations.

History

1. The idea that civilization is a Western invention has existed for many centuries, since Enlightenment thinkers in the 18th century began classifying and ranking societies. They viewed Western societies as the pinnacle of human development, and this viewpoint has persisted in various forms to this day.

2. For example, British historian Arnold Toynbee, in his 12-volume work "A Study of History," argued that the West had a disproportionately large influence on the world due to its unique capacity for innovation and adaptation.

Three Examples of How This Can Be Used Right Now

1. In a discussion on global history, you can use this perspective to argue that the West has played a unique role in shaping the world. The main advantages of using this knowledge are that it provides a new perspective and can stimulate lively discussion.

2. In a classroom setting, this perspective can be used to challenge students' preconceived notions of civilization and encourage them to think critically about the concept. The main advantages of using this knowledge are that it promotes critical thinking and encourages students to question commonly accepted ideas.

3. In a political discussion, this perspective can be used to argue the importance of Western values and institutions in world affairs. The main advantages of using this knowledge are that it can serve as a compelling defense of Western values and helps to contextualize current events.

Interesting Facts

• The term "West" originates from the fact that Europe and America are located in the Western Hemisphere of the Earth.

• The concept of "zero" in mathematics, which is the basis of our number system, was developed in ancient India but was brought to the West by Arab traders.

• The oldest known written language, cuneiform, was created by the Sumerians, a civilization in the Middle East often considered part of the Western world due to its influence on Greece and Rome.