Skip to content

Al qaeda Quote by Christopher Hitchens

“It was sometimes feebly argued, as the political and military war against this enemy ran into difficulties, that it was 'a war without end.' I never saw the point of this plaintive objection. The war against superstition and the totalitarian mentality is an endless war. In protean forms, it is…” quote by Christopher Hitchens
Download Open image
““It was sometimes feebly argued, as the political and military war against this enemy ran into difficulties, that it was 'a war without end.' I never saw the point of this plaintive objection. The war against superstition and the totalitarian mentality is an endless war. In protean forms, it is fought and refought in every country and every generation. In bin Ladenism we confront again the awful combination of the highly authoritarian personality with the chaotically nihilist and anarchic one. Temporary victories can be registered against this, but not permanent ones. As Bertold Brecht's character says over the corpse of the terrible Arturo Ui, the bitch that bore him is always in heat. But it is in this struggle that we develop the muscles and sinews that enable us to defend civilization, and the moral courage to name it as something worth fighting for.””

Christopher Hitchens

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview on political philosophy, 2005

The fight against superstition and authoritarianism is perpetual, requiring continual effort and moral courage to protect civilization.

In simple terms: Endless fight against oppressive ideas needs constant vigilance.

Key Takeaway

Keep defending truth and moral values.

Themes

politics philosophy resistance morality civilization

Mood

determined serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • education
  • policy making
  • community organizing

Key Concepts

authoritarianism superstition totalitarianism moral courage cultural struggle

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies sustain morale in endless ideological battles?
  • What personal practices reinforce moral courage?
A Different Perspective

The struggle can lead to fatigue and disillusionment without hope.

4.4 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Christopher Hitchens

Explore all 1,241 Christopher Hitchens quotes

More Al qaeda quotes

Browse all 360 Al qaeda quotes