Civilization takes place in a social order that foresees raising people according to the values of the age. This depends on the establishment of an infrastructure that realizes the integration of production-consumption-development that will make society happy. Unless such an order is established, it is futile to expect people to work efficiently. 

Moreover, if those in power enrich themselves and further deprive the people from their rights, the power of the rulers increases, as it did in the ancient times, and slavery begins, which leads to the atrophy of human sensitivity.

CONCEPT OF CIVILIZATION

When it comes to civilization, the words of a Roman statesman, Markus Porcius Cato, born in 234 B.C., comes to mind: "Fools are those who seek civilization in magnificent buildings!"

When we think of civilization in our age, we think of buildings reaching to the clouds, fancy avenues, and wide squares. Cato must have been prompted by such images of that era... 

The reason why earthquakes have killed hundreds of thousands of people is obvious. Everyone knows that some of those who built those high-rise buildings did not use the necessary cement, or iron and did not lay the foundations well. 

The only ones who don't know are those who favor and turn a blind eye to those who caused the destruction...

BEING CIVILIZED

As a philosophical term, civilization is defined in dictionaries as ''To come out of a period of barbarism and strive to establish a better level of living in accordance with the customs of every society, to advance in science, art, and technique, to create a better environment in which to live by developing the cultures acquired, to behave in a manner befitting a civilized person.''

It is clear from this, that being civilized is specific to people who are aware of both the good and the bad with their creativity, sensitivity, and thought. 

In short, civilization teaches society to live in a humane manner.

The first step towards civilization in our country was taken 90 years ago with the following statement emphasized by Atatürk on the 10th anniversary of the Republic: 

"Positive science is the torch that the Turkish nation holds in its hands and minds on the path of elevation and civilization."

THE SYMPTOMS

It's disheartening to see that in almost every era, a violation of Atatürk's principles has led to societal regression rather than progress. For instance, research indicates that in October alone, 80 women were murdered. Cities across Turkey are plagued by thieves and scammers. In a tragic turn, two university students, bright prospects for our future, committed suicide. Some young people, including doctors, see emigration as their only escape.

Children who are victims of narcotics are found on the streets and end up in jail. Child molestation rates increase daily. Senseless violence and killings are becoming commonplace.

This situation prompts reflection: What happened to Ataturk's vision of a civilized path, schools rooted in positive science, and the solidarity needed for the integrated growth of production, consumption, and development?