Meaning: The quote by William Thompson, a philosopher, discusses the impact of civilization and the emergence of science on the rate of change in human society. It highlights how these developments have accelerated the pace of change, shifting it from being measured in hundreds of thousands of years to millennia, and then to centuries. This quote encapsulates the profound impact of civilization and scientific advancement on the trajectory of human progress and societal transformation.

Civilization, in the context of the quote, refers to the stage of human social and cultural development marked by the creation and advancement of complex and organized societies. The emergence of civilization brought about significant changes in how humans interacted with each other and their environment. It led to the development of agriculture, the establishment of cities, the formation of complex political and social structures, and the advancement of technology and trade. These changes fundamentally altered the course of human history and set the stage for further advancements.

One of the key implications of civilization was the acceleration of societal change. Prior to the emergence of civilization, human societies experienced gradual shifts over hundreds of thousands of years. However, with the establishment of organized civilizations, the pace of change quickened, leading to significant transformations occurring over millennia. This shift in the rate of change reflects the impact of organized societies on human development and the evolution of culture, technology, and governance.

Furthermore, Thompson's quote draws attention to the transformative influence of science on the rate of change in human society. The emergence of science as a way of understanding the universe and natural phenomena has had a profound impact on human progress. It has enabled humans to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, leading to significant advancements in technology, medicine, and industry. As a result, the rate of change accelerated once again, this time shifting to a scale measured in centuries.

The shift to a rate of change measured in centuries reflects the rapid pace of innovation and progress that has been driven by scientific discoveries and technological advancements. From the industrial revolution to the digital age, science has been a catalyst for societal transformation, shaping the way people live, work, and communicate. The impact of science on the rate of change is evident in the rapid evolution of technology, the globalization of economies, and the interconnectedness of societies around the world.

In conclusion, William Thompson's quote encapsulates the profound impact of civilization and science on the rate of change in human society. It highlights how the emergence of organized civilizations and the advancement of scientific knowledge have accelerated the pace of societal transformation, shifting the scale of change from millennia to centuries. This quote serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of human progress and the influential role of civilization and science in shaping the trajectory of human history.