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About this quote

What does it mean?
Harris claims Islam is particularly effective at removing reasonableness from societal discourse compared to other ideologies.
In plain terms
Islam is one of the best tools for stopping reasonable discussion in society.
What can you take from it?
Critique how specific ideologies may hinder rational public discourse.

Where it applies

  • political debate
  • public policy
  • academic critique

Putting it to work

  • analyze ideological impact
  • promote rational discourse

Questions to consider

  • Which ideologies most hinder rational discussion?
  • How do we preserve reasonableness in society?

Another view

This view generalizes complex interpretations and practices across diverse Muslim populations.

More from Sam Harris

  1. [M]uch of the world's population could be annihilated on account of religious ideas that belong on the same shelf with Batman.[2]

    Permalink to quote #42
  2. The truth that we must finally confront is that Islam contains specific notions of martyrdom and jihad that fully explain the character of Muslim violence.

    Permalink to quote #44
  3. What will we do if an Islamist regime, which grows dewy-eyed at the mere mention of paradise, ever acquires long-range nuclear weaponry?[2]

    Permalink to quote #41

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