Abstraction Quote by Edward Said
![“This [terrorists attacks on 9/11] was part of nothing. It was a leap into another realm - the realm of crazy abstractions and mythological generalities, involving people who have hijacked Islam for their own purposes. It's important not to fall into that trap and to try to respond with a…” quote by Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/595/edward-said-6412_abstraction_this-terrorists-attacks-on-9-11-was-part_2025625.jpg)
“This [terrorists attacks on 9/11] was part of nothing. It was a leap into another realm - the realm of crazy abstractions and mythological generalities, involving people who have hijacked Islam for their own purposes. It's important not to fall into that trap and to try to respond with a metaphysical retaliation of some sort.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on postcolonial theory, 1990s
The quote warns against reducing complex political violence to mythic or abstract narratives, urging concrete, non‑metaphysical responses.
In simple terms: Avoid turning real events into mythic stories; respond pragmatically.
Key Takeaway
Focus on practical, grounded action.
Themes
politics
media
religion
violence
mythmaking
Mood
critical
serious
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- media reporting
- educational curricula
- public discourse
Key Concepts
postcolonial critique
ideology
narrative framing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we discuss terrorism without resorting to myth?
- What concrete steps can replace metaphysical retaliation?
A Different Perspective
Mythic framing can obscure accountability and hinder effective solutions.
![“It [destroying Twin Towers] was a leap into another realm - the realm of crazy abstractions and mythological generalities, involving people who have hijacked Islam for their own purposes. It's important not to fall into that trap and to try to respond with a metaphysical retaliation of some sort.” quote by Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/97a/edward-said-6412_abstraction_it-destroying-twin-towers-was-a-leap-int_2557951.jpg)
![“Note that there was no claim for these attacks [on 9/11]. There were no demands. There were no statements. It was a silent piece of terror.” quote by Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e09/edward-said-6412_claims_note-that-there-was-no-claim-for-these-a_953746.jpg)
![“Islamic terrorism is the handiwork of people who've heeded, not hijacked, Islam. Or so says [Wafa] Sultan.” quote by Ilana Mercer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fd4/ilana-mercer-6995_handiwork_islamic-terrorism-is-the-handiwork-of-pe_753583.jpg)
![“[9/11] was bloody-minded destruction for no other reason than to do it.” quote by Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a6e/edward-said-6412_bloody_9-11-was-bloody-minded-destruction-for-n_64269.jpg)
![“[One task of intellectuals is] to break down the stereotypes and reductive categories that are . . . limiting to human thought and communication.” quote by Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b94/edward-said-6412_break_one-task-of-intellectuals-is-to-break-do_140792.jpg)
![“The just response to this terrible event [9/11] should be to go immediately to the world community, the United Nations. The rule of international law should be marshaled, but it's probably too late because the United States has never done that; it's always gone it alone.” quote by Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/15f/edward-said-6412_community_the-just-response-to-this-terrible-event_189801.jpg)
