Civilized peoples ought unanimously to adopt the idea of southern Europe, striving for the most peaceful and sweetest form of life possible." A cruel smile played over the Russian's beard.
"But there exists that Kultur, diametrically opposed to civilization, which the Germans wish to palm off upon us.

Civilization is refinement of spirit, respect of one's neighbor, tolerance of foreign opinion, courtesy of manner.

Kultur is the action of a State that organizes and assimilates individuals and communities in order to utilize them for its own ends; and these ends consist mainly in placing 'The State' above other states, overwhelming them with their grandeur--or what is the same thing--with their haughty and violent pride." By this time, the three had reached the place de l'Etoile.

The dark outline of the Arc de Triomphe stood forth clearly in the starry expanse.

The avenues extended in all directions, a double file of lights.