September 18, 2006

  • In the First World War, Britain had rather vague war aims, such as "the defence of civilisation against the beastly Hun". One day, a distinguished classical scholar was accosted in a London street by a lady who tried to hand him a white feather as he was not in uniform.
    "I am surprised that you are not fighting to defend civilisation," she added.
    "Madam," replied the scholar. "I am the civilisation they are fighting to defend."

    古德明‧4.9.2006