Faith Quote by Jeff VanderMeer
““Because Control knew that belief in a scientific process only took you so far. The ziggurats of illogic erected by your average domestic terrorist as he or she bought the fertiliser or made a detonator took on their own teetering momentum and power. When those towers crashed to the earth, they still existed whole in the perpetrator’s mind, and everyone else’s too – just for different reasons.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, 2014
Belief in rational methods can be undermined by irrational, destructive forces that persist in minds even after they fail.
In simple terms: Rational belief can be shattered by irrational terror that lingers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of logic and address underlying irrationalities.
Themes
science
irrationality
terrorism
psychology
Mood
anxious
critical
thoughtful
Type
cautionary
analytical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- counterterrorism
- public policy
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
systems failure
belief persistence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do irrational narratives survive logical defeat?
- What safeguards can counteract persistent extremist mindsets?
A Different Perspective
Rational approaches may not prevent or explain violent extremism.
![“[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)
![“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)
