感受文明——西欧散记

Experiencing Civilization Rambling notes of West European countries

Civilization seems so profound and complicated in theory. A large number of scholars and experts devote so much of their time to the study of it that until now the definition of civilization remains a topic either arguably different or endlessly contested. Appreciations of different civilizations have been more divided than united. But in reality, civilization is more self-evident, easier to understand than thought. Except some implicit civilization factors-in, for example, artifacts, cultural relics, architecture and other works of art that have ancient historical lineage and profound cultural heritage--that need to be given a clue by literal or verbal explanations, whether a society is civilized is not written on paper, engraved in stones, stashed in palaces, or buried underground, but rather attached to the terra firma, wafting in the countryside, sprayed on urban streets, and flowing amid people. So long as you plunge yourself into the real world, use a little more of caution and scrutiny, and feel with your heart, your will certainly be able to touch the bits and pieces of civilization.