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In the year 1090, there was founded in Persia the…

“In the year 1090, there was founded in Persia the religious and military order of the Assassins, whose history is one of cruelty, barbarity, and murder, and for good reason: the members were confirmed users of hashish, or marihuana, and it is from the Arabs' 'hashashin' that we have the English…” quote by Harry J. Anslinger
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“In the year 1090, there was founded in Persia the religious and military order of the Assassins, whose history is one of cruelty, barbarity, and murder, and for good reason: the members were confirmed users of hashish, or marihuana, and it is from the Arabs' 'hashashin' that we have the English word 'assassin.'”

Harry J. Anslinger

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The Assassins were a secretive sect whose violent tactics were linked to hashish use, giving rise to the term “assassin.”

In simple terms: A medieval Persian sect used drugs and terror, creating the word assassin

Key Takeaway

Recognize how language can stem from violent histories

Themes

history language violence

Mood

intrigued critical

Type

historical etymological

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • historical fiction
  • cultural analysis

Key Concepts

etymology political power drug culture

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does drug use affect perception of violent groups?
  • What other words derive from historical events?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may romanticize or oversimplify complex socio‑political factors.

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