The worst thing about civilization is that it deprives one of the light of day.
 Anatole France, Penguin Island (1908). copy citation

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Author Anatole France
Source Penguin Island
Topic civilization light
Date 1908
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1930/1930-h/1930-h.htm

Context

“As far as the eye could reach, the multitude of houses stood out in their tiny immensity. Caroline turned her eyes in the same direction. “What splendid weather it is!” said she. “The sun’s rays change the smoke on the horizon into gold. The worst thing about civilization is that it deprives one of the light of day.” We did not answer; his looks remained fixed on a place in the town. After some seconds of silence they saw about half a mile away, in the richer district on the other side of the river, a sort of tragic fog rearing itself upwards.” source