Skip to content

Agree Quote by Nils Kjaer

“At the time of Caliph Omar's invasion of Egypt, the Arab officer on duty in the destruction of the library of Alexandria used two stamps with which he marked the books. One said: 'Does not agree with the Koran - heretic, must be burned'. The other said: 'Agrees with the Koran - superfluous, must…” quote by Nils Kjaer
Download Open image
“At the time of Caliph Omar's invasion of Egypt, the Arab officer on duty in the destruction of the library of Alexandria used two stamps with which he marked the books. One said: 'Does not agree with the Koran - heretic, must be burned'. The other said: 'Agrees with the Koran - superfluous, must be burned'.”

Nils Kjaer

About This Quote

Source Historical account: unspecified source, likely secondary historical narrative

The quote illustrates that both dissenting and conforming ideas were destroyed, showing intolerance for any differing perspective.

In simple terms: Both opposing and agreeing ideas were burned.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the danger of absolute censorship.

Themes

intolerance censorship knowledge destruction religious authority

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

  • library preservation
  • academic freedom
  • religious reform
  • historical research

Key Concepts

authoritarianism cultural loss dogma

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence supports this story?
  • How does this reflect on modern censorship?
A Different Perspective

The anecdote may be apocryphal, lacking primary evidence.

4.0 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Nils Kjaer

Explore all 4 Nils Kjaer quotes

More Agree quotes

Browse all 3,079 Agree quotes