Quote by Havelock Ellis
The prevalence of suicide, without doubt, is a test of height in civilization; it means that the population is winding up its nervous and intellectual system to the utmost point of tension and that sometimes it snaps.
Summary
This quote suggests that the rate of suicide serves as an indicator of the level of advancement in a society. It implies that when a society experiences a high prevalence of suicide, it indicates that the population is under extreme pressure and stress, mentally and emotionally. This tension pushes individuals to their breaking points, resulting in tragic outcomes. Thus, suicide can be seen as a consequence of societal strains and an indication of the immense challenges faced by individuals in highly developed civilizations.