"Civilization never stands still; if in one country it is falling back, in another it is changing, evolving, becoming more complicated, bringing fresh experience to body and mind, breeding new desires, and exploiting Nature's cupboard for their satisfaction"

Arthur Keith's quote encapsulates the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of civilization. The first part of the quote, "Civilization never stalls", recommends that societies remain in a continuous state of flux. Modification is inherent to the fabric of human societies, and this can manifest in numerous ways, whether through advances in technology, shifts in cultural standards, or the fluctuate of political systems.

Keith notes that if civilization is "falling back" in one nation, it might be "altering, progressing" in another. This shows that the development of human societies is not consistent around the world. Various countries and cultures are at differing phases of advancement, each advancing or regressing according to unique internal and external influences. This part of the quote highlights the relativity of progress and underlines how the forces that drive civilizations are not simultaneous worldwide.

By saying civilization is "becoming more complicated", Keith acknowledges that as societies evolve, they tend to establish complicated structures, institutions, and innovations. This intricacy frequently accompanies an expansion in understanding and abilities, which can cause both favorable and negative effects. The concept of "bringing fresh experience to body and mind" indicates that with intricacy and modification come new ways of believing and living, improving human experience and promoting intellectual and physical advancement.

The expression "breeding new desires" suggests that as civilization evolves, brand-new desires and requires emerge. These desires frequently sustain even more development and exploration in the mission to meet them. The exploitation of "Nature's cupboard for their complete satisfaction" conveys humanity's unrelenting mission to harness the environment for its requirements and desires. This mirrors the more comprehensive human narrative of leveraging natural deposits to enhance lifestyle but also brings ethical and environmental factors to consider to the fore, as exploitation can lead to depletion and destruction.

In essence, the quote reflects on the dynamic interplay between development, complexity, and human ambition within ever-changing civilizations.