在24个字的社会主义核心价值观中，“文明”被作为国家层面的价值目标提出，其所指应该是宏观意义上的，既包括这三个大文明，也包括了具体的公民文明素养，甚至涵盖公民个人行为中的文明表现。

李晓东著的《文明(英文版)》对“文明”的含义进行了梳理，阐释为什么“文明”是社会主义核心价值观的题中应有之义，并探讨如何实现文明。

Chapter One Back to the Origin of Civilization

 1. Essential features of civilization

 2. The values and role of civilization

 3. "Civilization" as a core socialist value

 4. Systems perspective of understanding "civilization"

Chapter Two Cultural Heritage Makes Profound Civilization

 1. Immortal spirit creation

 2. Famous masterpieces handed down from ancient times

 3. Permanent witness of history

 4. Great discoveries and inventions

Chapter Three Casting National Spirit--A Long Way to Go

 1. Call of development of times

 2. Disharmonious voice

 3. Uncivilized phenomena

 4. Predicament of "civilization failure"

Chapter Four Practice of Confident Civilization

 1. Catty forward the fine tradition and continue traditional culture

 2. Inherit revolutionary tradition and create spirit of the time

 3. Lay moral foundation for a civilized China

 4. Enrich spiritual and cultural life

 5. Exchange and learn from each other for joint construction of civili-zation