from Meditations:
At every action, no matter by whom performed, make it a practice to ask yourself, "What is his object in doing this?" But begin with yourself, put this question to yourself first of all.
Marcus Auerlius
(121 - 180)
The beginning of Ramadan is marked by the killing of 23 Coptic Christians in Cairo. It is another Friday. Another day of prayers for Muslims. The latest atrocity follows on the heels of the carnage
in Manchester. In an effort to understand what's behind all this I'm rereading Pulitzer Prize Winner The Looming Tower. I think there's no better book on the subject.
For those who ask 'Why?'
" . . . describes the contorted intellectual journey that has taken place among some Muslims . . . which allows a holy book . . . to be used to justify catastrophic terrorism." - Financial Times
" . . . untangles the anxieties, resentments, aspirations and ideals that have driven and defined radical Islam." - Los Angeles Times
" . . . extensively researched, gripping tale of the growth of Islamic radicalism." - The Indianapolis Star
" . . . Wright's book is my new touchstone. None of the previous books led me to say 'Aha, now I think I understand' as frequently." - The Boston Globe
"Should be required reading for every American . . . yes, it is that good." - The Christian Science Monitor
I will get a copy. The left are saying that we should call the Manchester bomber boy a British boy rather than talk of him as Muslim or of Libyan parents notwithstanding that he has just spent six months in Libya learning the skill of bomb-making. To what good do they think the denial of his background will help us to solve the problem of extremist Islamist jihadis?
ReplyDeletePeople speak in riddles nowadays. Truth has flown out of the door. The concept is meaningless.
DeleteJust more carnage to add to that around the world. Almost too much to bear.
ReplyDeleteCause and effect.
DeleteI think you'd like Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. My copy is a Penguin.
Delete