Our civilization survives in the complacency of cowardly or malignant minds -- a sacrifice to the vanity of aging adolescents. In 1953, excess is always a comfort, and sometimes a career.

Summary

This quote points out that our civilization thrives because of the lack of action or the harmful intentions of those who are either afraid or malicious. It suggests that our society is being sustained by individuals who prioritize their own vanity and refuse to grow up. In the context of 1953, it implies that excessive behavior is always seen as a source of comfort, and for some, it even becomes a way of life or a profession. The quote seems to criticize the superficiality, immaturity, and self-indulgence prevalent in society during that time.