Skip to content

Chomsky Quote by Sam Harris

“even if Noam Chomsky were right about everything, the Islamic doctrines related to martyrdom, jihad, blasphemy, apostasy, the rights of women and homosexuals, etc. would still present huge problems for the emergence of a global civil society (and these are problems quite unlike those presented by…” quote by Sam Harris
Download Open image
““even if Noam Chomsky were right about everything, the Islamic doctrines related to martyrdom, jihad, blasphemy, apostasy, the rights of women and homosexuals, etc. would still present huge problems for the emergence of a global civil society (and these are problems quite unlike those presented by similar tenets in other faiths, for reasons that I have explained at length elsewhere and touch on only briefly here). And any way in which I might be biased or blinded by “the religion of the state,” or any other form of cultural indoctrination, has absolutely no relevance to the plight of Shiites who have their mosques, weddings, and funerals bombed by Sunni extremists, or to victims of rape who are beaten, imprisoned, or even killed as “adulteresses” throughout the Muslim world. I hope it goes without saying that the Afghan girls who even now are risking their lives by merely learning to read would not be best compensated for their struggles by being handed copies of Chomsky’s books enumerating the sins of the West””

Sam Harris

About This Quote

Source Book: The End of Faith, 2004 (paraphrased)

Even if Chomsky is right, certain Islamic doctrines pose challenges to a global civil society, distinct from other faiths.

In simple terms: Some Islamic teachings create unique obstacles for global civil society.

Key Takeaway

Address doctrinal issues to foster global unity.

Themes

religion politics human rights civil society

Mood

concerned thoughtful

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • interfaith dialogue
  • human rights advocacy
  • policy reform
  • education initiatives

Key Concepts

martyrdom jihad gender rights LGBTQ+ rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance religious freedom with universal human rights?
  • What role should secular governance play in religious reform?
A Different Perspective

Critics argue similar issues exist in other religions; context matters.

2.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Sam Harris

Explore all 543 Sam Harris quotes

More Chomsky quotes

Browse all 7 Chomsky quotes