[annalex]

Things that you mention point to the superiority of the western civilization. However, it doesn't mean that other civilizations do not exist. The warrior Arab civilization is an example of a civilization that has been in decline for a thousand years and now is in its death spasms thrashing about.

[Ferris]

Happiness, success, and freedom exist where the individual is exaulted over all else...

Where he is his own guardian and guide.

Where he neither needs nor wants an "external authority" to rule him...

Where he fights all attempts to be controlled and manipulated by others...

Consciousness is his weapon... Not his weakness...

[Brian Allen]

I think we are essentially in agreement except perhaps your definition of "Civilization" is much broader than mine -- and falls under the heading, "Culture," in my book.

[And, having spent much of my adult life among the Arab Peoples, having learned their language -- and having enjoyed them all so much -- I understand and share what appears to be your admiration for them all! But, that said, knowing them as well as I do, I harbor no delusions about the intentions of the islamics!]