Who could deny that privacy is a jewel? It has always been the mark of privilege, the distinguishing feature of a truly urbane culture. Out of the cave, the tribal teepee, the pueblo, the community fortress, man emerged to build himself a house of his own with a shelter in it for himself and his diversions. Every age has seen it so. The poor might have to huddle together in cities for need's sake, and the frontiersman cling to his neighbors for the sake of protection. But in each civilization, as it advanced, those who could afford it chose the luxury of a withdrawing-place.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the value and significance of privacy throughout history. It highlights privacy as a privilege and the defining characteristic of a sophisticated society. As humanity transitioned from communal living to creating personal spaces and homes, the desire for privacy grew. While poverty or the need for protection in earlier civilizations might have led people to live in close quarters, the quote acknowledges that in every civilization, as society progressed, individuals with means sought the luxury of a personal sanctuary. The quote ultimately underscores privacy as a cherished and sought-after aspect of a cultured and evolved civilization.

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