Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
The definition of civilization has stayed the same through history, but the technologies and knowledge that each civilization has had has usually advanced as time went on. Today many countries consider themselves civilized, but this is a continuous process. Centuries from now future generations may view modern civilization as primitive and still very much in the dark ages when compared to the possible future technologies that will be developed.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
When a civilization takes up the study of itself, it is always high noon
It is better for civilization to be going down the drain than to be coming up it
The true pioneer of civilization is not the newspaper, not religion, not the railroad--but whiskey!
A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization