"All civilization has from time to time become a thin crust over a volcano of revolution"

This quote by Henry Ellis recommends that civilization is a delicate thing, and that beneath it lies a powerful force of revolution. It indicates that, regardless of the stability and order that civilization offers, there is a potential for turmoil and modification. This is because, as Ellis suggests, civilization resembles a thin crust over a volcano. The volcano is a powerful force of nature that can erupt and trigger damage, and the same holds true of transformation. Revolution can be a powerful force that can disrupt the status quo and bring about change. This quote suggests that, while civilization might offer stability and order, it is not immune to the capacity for transformation.