Paul Johnson's Ten Pillars of Civilization

Paul Johnson's Ten Pillars of Civilization, summarized from Enemies of Society.

1.  There are moral absolutes and we can and must choose between them.

2.  The virtue we should cherish most is the courage to resist violence.

3.  Consent of the governed through democracy is the most effective form of government.

4.  There must be rule of law.

5.  The individual is always the primary consideration.

6.  The health of the middle class is the best measure of the health of society.

7.  Freedom should always the presumptive priority.

8.  Those who cannot win an argument based on logic or evidence always resort to abuse of language.

9.  Science, via empiricism, logic, clear methodologies, transparency, and objective criteria is the prime engine of progress.

10.  The goal and power of civilization is the discovery of Truth.