"Barbarism is the absence of standards to which appeal can be made"

This quote by Jose Ortega Y Gasset speaks to the concept that barbarism is a lack of standards or values that can be utilized to determine behavior. To put it simply, when there are no requirements or values to which individuals can appeal, then the outcome is a lack of civility and a descent into barbarism. This is because without requirements, individuals are totally free to act however they please, without any regard for the repercussions of their actions. This can lead to mayhem and damage, as individuals are no longer held accountable for their behavior. In essence, this quote is a caution against the risks of a lack of standards, as it can lead to a breakdown of social order and a descent into barbarism.