Compassion is the key in Islam and Buddhism and Judaism and Christianity. They are profoundly similar.
Karen ArmstrongRead
Even before 9/11 I was gripped by a sense of dread: our lack of criticism about what we were doing in the Middle East - the slagging off of a whole religious tradition.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses concern about uncritical attitudes towards foreign policy and its implications on cultural understanding.
Karen Armstrong reflects on her feelings of anxiety regarding the Western response to events in the Middle East, particularly emphasizing the dangers of broad-brush criticisms of an entire religious tradition. Her statement calls for a more nuanced understanding and critique of geopolitical actions, urging us to be aware of the potential for misunderstanding and the resulting societal tensions that arise when critical thinking is absent.
Themes
CriticismMiddle EastUnderstandingReligionForeign Policy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on cultural awareness, this quote serves to remind the audience of the importance of critical thinking regarding foreign relations.
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Religion is a search for transcendence. But transcendence isn't necessarily sited in an external god, which can be a very unspiritual, unreligious concept.
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