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The people who are abroad are all those that have no…

“The people who are abroad are all those that have no religion, neither one based on speculation nor one received by tradition. Such are the extreme Turks that wander about in the north, the Kushites who live in the south, and those in our country who are like these. I consider these as irrational…” quote by Maimonides
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“The people who are abroad are all those that have no religion, neither one based on speculation nor one received by tradition. Such are the extreme Turks that wander about in the north, the Kushites who live in the south, and those in our country who are like these. I consider these as irrational beings, and not as human beings; they are below mankind, but above monkeys, since they have the form and shape of man, and a mental faculty above that of the monkey.”

Maimonides

About This Quote

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

He labels people lacking any true religion as irrational, below humans but above animals, due to their form and mental faculty.

In simple terms: Those without genuine belief are seen as irrational and inferior.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the importance of sincere belief.

Themes

religion humanity irrationality

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • social critique
  • cultural analysis
  • interfaith dialogue

Key Concepts

philosophy theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does belief shape moral status?
  • Can one be moral without religion?
A Different Perspective

Such judgments can foster intolerance and division.

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