Civilization is a conspiracy. Modern life is the silent compact of comfortable folk to keep up pretences

Civilization is a conspiracy. Modern life is the silent compact of comfortable folk to keep up pretences

John Buchan, a Scottish novelist and politician, is best known for his adventure and espionage novels, particularly his most famous work, "The Thirty-Nine Steps." In his writing, Buchan often explored themes of conspiracy, power, and the complexities of modern society. The quote "Civilization is a conspiracy. Modern life is the silent compact of comfortable folk to keep up pretences" can be seen as a reflection of Buchan's views on society and the nature of civilization.

Buchan's novels often depict a world where hidden forces are at work, manipulating events behind the scenes. In "The Thirty-Nine Steps," the protagonist, Richard Hannay, finds himself caught up in a web of conspiracy and intrigue, where powerful forces are working to destabilize the world order. This theme of conspiracy runs through many of Buchan's works, reflecting his belief that there are unseen forces at work in the world, shaping events and controlling the lives of individuals.

The idea that civilization is a conspiracy can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it can be seen as a commentary on the power structures that govern society, where a small group of individuals hold the reins of power and influence, shaping the course of history to suit their own interests. Buchan's novels often depict a world where the powerful few manipulate events to maintain their control over the masses, perpetuating a system of inequality and oppression.

At the same time, the quote also speaks to the idea that modern life is built on a foundation of pretence and illusion. In Buchan's view, the comfortable folk of society are complicit in maintaining the status quo, turning a blind eye to the injustices and inequalities that exist in the world. By going along with the charade of civilization, they are complicit in perpetuating a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many.

Overall, the quote "Civilization is a conspiracy. Modern life is the silent compact of comfortable folk to keep up pretences" can be seen as a reflection of John Buchan's views on society and the nature of civilization. Through his novels, he explores the hidden forces at work in the world, the power structures that govern society, and the complicity of individuals in maintaining a system of inequality and oppression.