A measure of civilization is...

[crockshard]

Who first coined the idea that a society/civilization is measured by the way it treats its lesser/weaker/most vulnerable members (not prisoners though- Churchill!!)? Aristotle? It has been said by alot of people in various forms. I have an excellent quote from Hubert H Humphrey but would rather something along these lines from a British person if possible (to end an essay on welfare funding reform in England, hopefully on a relevant note!), and need the exact quote, or means to search for it. Many thanks

[heathfield]

Whoever coined the idea was undoubtedly unaware that their definition would include animals such as chimpanzees and elephants!!