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Can do Quote by Edward Said

“There is also this great sense of triumphalism, that just as we defeated the Soviet Union, we can do this. And out of this sense of desperation and pathological religion, there develops an all-encompassing drive to harm and hurt, without regard for the innocent and the uninvolved, which was the…” quote by Edward Said
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“There is also this great sense of triumphalism, that just as we defeated the Soviet Union, we can do this. And out of this sense of desperation and pathological religion, there develops an all-encompassing drive to harm and hurt, without regard for the innocent and the uninvolved, which was the case in New York.”

Edward Said

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Politics of Culture, 1994

Triumph over a former foe can breed a dangerous zeal, leading to violence against innocents.

In simple terms: Victory can spark harmful fanaticism.

Key Takeaway

Beware of triumphalism.

Themes

politics violence religion history psychology

Mood

analytical critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • conflict resolution
  • media critique
  • education curricula
  • community healing

Key Concepts

power dynamics collective trauma extremism moral panic

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fuels the transition from triumph to aggression?
  • How can societies prevent such destructive cycles?
A Different Perspective

May overlook individual agency within larger movements.

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