--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It must be admitted that the West has…" description: "\"“It must be admitted that the West has reached a level of scientific mastery and outstanding specialisation. In its points of reference, this evolution..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af0/tariq-ramadan-877_culture_it-must-be-admitted-that-the-west-has-re_2433194.png" --- # It must be admitted that the West has reached a level of… ![“It must be admitted that the West has reached a level of scientific mastery and outstanding specialisation. In its points of reference, this evolution commands admiration and all civilisations have to benefit from the dynamic of this rationality, as they can derive lessons from the progress…” quote by Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af0/tariq-ramadan-877_culture_it-must-be-admitted-that-the-west-has-re_2433194.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af0/tariq-ramadan-877_culture_it-must-be-admitted-that-the-west-has-re_2433194.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af0/tariq-ramadan-877_culture_it-must-be-admitted-that-the-west-has-re_2433194.png) > ““It must be admitted that the West has reached a level of scientific mastery and outstanding specialisation. In its points of reference, this evolution commands admiration and all civilisations have to benefit from the dynamic of this rationality, as they can derive lessons from the progress achieved. "Benefiting", "deriving lessons" do not, nevertheless, mean submission. In the same way, it must be acknowledged that other civilisations and cultures propose a rich vision of the world, and that some of these have managed to preserve the basic values of life, and glimpses of their fundamental shape are beginning to be seen in the West. It is not a question of suggesting a new wave of "love for exoticism and folklore". On the contrary, it is a question of engaging in an exigent reflection about cultural specificities and possible enrichment starting from within cultures and not at their peripherals.”” [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Western scientific progress is valuable but should not dominate; other cultures hold essential values that can enrich the West. **In simple terms:** West can learn from other cultures without losing identity. Key Takeaway Seek mutual enrichment, not domination. Themes cultural exchange mutual respect enrichment identity dialogue Mood reflective hopeful critical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - education reform - policy making - community projects - media representation - academic research Key Concepts civilizational pluralism intercultural dialogue knowledge transfer Questions to Reflect On - How can societies balance scientific advancement with cultural preservation? - What mechanisms ensure genuine exchange rather than appropriation? A Different Perspective Western dominance can suppress alternative perspectives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Culture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/culture/) [Exoticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exoticism/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) ## Related quotes > [“Exoticism was hard to find in Pullman, Washington. ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherman-alexie/exoticism-was-hard-to-find-in-pullman-washington/) [Sherman Alexie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherman-alexie/) > [Exoticism can give you an edge: it makes people assume you're cleverer than you are and gives you the upper hand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kristin-scott-thomas/exoticism-can-give-you-an-edge-it-makes-people-assume-you-re-cleverer/) [Kristin Scott Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kristin-scott-thomas/) > [“The exotic and the erotic ideals go hand in hand, and this fact also contributes another proof of a more or less obvious truth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-praz/the-exotic-and-the-erotic-ideals-go-hand-in-hand-and-this-fact-also/) Mario Praz > [Galleries in the West have probably been looking for exoticism. That's the reason my paintings initially sold well, I think. And then once they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/takashi-murakami/galleries-in-the-west-have-probably-been-looking-for-exoticism-that-s/) [Takashi Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/takashi-murakami/) > [Calling something exotic emphasizes its distance from the reader. We don't refer to things as exotic if we think of them as ordinary. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/n-k-jemisin/calling-something-exotic-emphasizes-its-distance-from-the-reader-we/) [N.K. Jemisin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/n-k-jemisin/) > [“Normalization takes place not because there is Western-ideology that normalizes third-world texts in any special way (other than the usual play with exoticism) but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aijaz-ahmad/normalization-takes-place-not-because-there-is-western-ideology-that/) Aijaz Ahmad > [ Exotic novelty. My statement to \[people\] is always, well, set this picture in your home town, is it still an interesting picture? Or is… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-abell/exotic-novelty-my-statement-to-people-is-always-well-set-this-picture/) [Sam Abell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-abell/) > [Fashion is, perhaps by necessity, in a world of its own - one that only rarely overlaps with anything resembling real life. This fantasy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-aletti/fashion-is-perhaps-by-necessity-in-a-world-of-its-own-one-that-only/) Vince Aletti > [“I liked the exoticism his travels gave him, the unknownness. He had blown in with the soft breezes of a wider world, and it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jojo-moyes/i-liked-the-exoticism-his-travels-gave-him-the-unknownness-he-had/) [jojo moyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jojo-moyes/) > [“To most Westerners, the Philippines suffers from a lack of exoticism. Simply put, Philippine culture is just too accessible. To a young Western backpacker,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-martin/to-most-westerners-the-philippines-suffers-from-a-lack-of-exoticism/) Steven Martin > [“After two years' absence she finally returned to chilly Europe, a trifle weary, a trifle sad, disgusted by our banal entertainments, our shrunken landscapes,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/octave-mirbeau/after-two-years-absence-she-finally-returned-to-chilly-europe-a/) [Octave Mirbeau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/octave-mirbeau/) > [There is the philosophy embedded in the culture we are living. It is quite clear for example that Arabs have a different culture than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/there-is-the-philosophy-embedded-in-the-culture-we-are-living-it-is/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [A lot of indigenous cultures are deeply involved in working with ancestor spirits, elemental spirits, and demons. Many of these cultures feel that, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-pinchbeck/a-lot-of-indigenous-cultures-are-deeply-involved-in-working-with/) [Daniel Pinchbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-pinchbeck/) > [Philosopher is a dictator who modifies accepted standards with his thoughts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilkin-santak/philosopher-is-a-dictator-who-modifies-accepted-standards-with-his/) [Ilkin Santak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilkin-santak/) > [What sets worlds in motion is the interplay of differences, their attractions and repulsions. Life is plurality, death is uniformity. By suppressing differences and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/octavio-paz/what-sets-worlds-in-motion-is-the-interplay-of-differences-their/) [Octavio Paz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/octavio-paz/) ## More by Tariq Ramadan > [Saying that the origin of the Islamic State (IS) is within the Muslim Brotherhood organisation only strengthens IS.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/saying-that-the-origin-of-the-islamic-state-is-is-within-the-muslim/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [We must master our egoism, and through this mastery, step outside ourselves and educate ourselves in giving. Fasting requires that we rediscover all that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/we-must-master-our-egoism-and-through-this-mastery-step-outside/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [I have learned that one should say "Peace!" to those who shout their hatred for one's being and presence or at one's passage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/i-have-learned-that-one-should-say-peace-to-those-who-shout-their/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [51% of the French people - who are not very religious - were thinking that what "Charlie Hebdo" did was unwise. They aren't asking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/51-of-the-french-people-who-are-not-very-religious-were-thinking-that/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [I wanted to understand. I'm not here to support one, but I am here to criticize all, on a principled position. I very much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/i-wanted-to-understand-i-m-not-here-to-support-one-but-i-am-here-to/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [Many U.S. organizations believe that I am being barred from the country not because of my actions but because of my ideas. The conclusion…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/many-u-s-organizations-believe-that-i-am-being-barred-from-the/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [There is the philosophy embedded in the culture we are living. It is quite clear for example that Arabs have a different culture than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/there-is-the-philosophy-embedded-in-the-culture-we-are-living-it-is/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [South Africa is labouring to find its revolutionary path; the colours of the Rainbow Nation have difficulty blending together; the wealthy elites (white, black…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/south-africa-is-labouring-to-find-its-revolutionary-path-the-colours/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [Acknowledged differences may create mutual respect, but hazy misunderstandings bring forth nothing but prejudice and rejection.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/acknowledged-differences-may-create-mutual-respect-but-hazy/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [It is of the highest importance to provide equal access to the labour market. Governments should act to establish equitable employment standards and penalise…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/it-is-of-the-highest-importance-to-provide-equal-access-to-the-labour/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [Wisdom is always connected to beauty. When you see someone acting by their principles, their wisdom makes them beautiful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/wisdom-is-always-connected-to-beauty-when-you-see-someone-acting-by/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [Your sensitivity is power. Don't let people transform your qualities into weaknesses.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/your-sensitivity-is-power-don-t-let-people-transform-your-qualities/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [The dogmatic and, therefore, invulnerable core in Islam is understandably simple: acknowledgement of faith, prayer, charity and fasting. Almost everything else is open to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/the-dogmatic-and-therefore-invulnerable-core-in-islam-is/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [It is like using a smoke screen, the same thing for an individual. The topic here is Islam. If French politicians are no longer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/it-is-like-using-a-smoke-screen-the-same-thing-for-an-individual-the/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) > [Humility is my table, respect is my garment, empathy is my food and curiosity is my drink. As for love, it has a thousand…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tariq-ramadan/humility-is-my-table-respect-is-my-garment-empathy-is-my-food-and/) [Tariq Ramadan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) [Explore all 336 Tariq Ramadan quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tariq-ramadan/) ## More Culture quotes > [What sets worlds in motion is the interplay of differences, their attractions and repulsions. Life is plurality, death is uniformity. 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It gives you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-ayling-ellis/in-the-hearing-world-i-m-constantly-having-to-lip-read-and-trying-to/) [Rose Ayling-Ellis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-ayling-ellis/) > [I was born and raised in Orlando, where the economy and culture has been powerfully shaped by tourism, and so I've long been interested…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-van-den-berg/i-was-born-and-raised-in-orlando-where-the-economy-and-culture-has/) [Laura van den Berg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-van-den-berg/) > [Our times demand the declaration of the world's resources as the common heritage of all people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacque-fresco/our-times-demand-the-declaration-of-the-world-s-resources-as-the/) [Jacque Fresco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacque-fresco/) > [The U.S.-Mexican border es un herida abierta where the Third World grates against the first and bleeds. And before a scab forms it hemorrhages…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gloria-e-anzald-a/the-u-s-mexican-border-es-un-herida-abierta-where-the-third-world/) [Gloria E. Anzaldúa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gloria-e-anzald-a/) > [What it comes down to for me is this: Will the technologies of communication in our culture, serve to enlighten us and help us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-waters/what-it-comes-down-to-for-me-is-this-will-the-technologies-of/) [Roger Waters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-waters/) > [I think it's useful to experience other types of dance and other cultures, and the life of a classical dancer these days is certainly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deborah-bull/i-think-it-s-useful-to-experience-other-types-of-dance-and-other/) [Deborah Bull](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deborah-bull/) > [In the movie, the stars above the ship bear no correspondence to any constellations in a real sky. Worse yet, while the heroine bobs...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-degrasse-tyson/in-the-movie-the-stars-above-the-ship-bear-no-correspondence-to-any/) [Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-degrasse-tyson/) > [It is not my intention to explain Turkey, its culture and its problems. My literature has a universal concern: I want to bring people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orhan-pamuk/it-is-not-my-intention-to-explain-turkey-its-culture-and-its-problems/) [Orhan Pamuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orhan-pamuk/) > [I don't think the distinction between high and low culture exists anymore.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-scott/i-don-t-think-the-distinction-between-high-and-low-culture-exists/) [Jeremy Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-scott/) > [You get below the Mason-Dixon line and you have some of the best music, culture, the two races, the literature, and it's so rich.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-duvall/you-get-below-the-mason-dixon-line-and-you-have-some-of-the-best/) [Robert Duvall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-duvall/) > [It is proposed that a form of free dialogue may well be one of the most effective ways of investigating the crisis which faces…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-bohm/it-is-proposed-that-a-form-of-free-dialogue-may-well-be-one-of-the/) [David Bohm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-bohm/) > [“Being grounded in your lifelong culture and your personal perspective, you are comfortable with the way you see things and may believe it is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-c-young/being-grounded-in-your-lifelong-culture-and-your-personal-perspective/) [Susan C. Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-c-young/) [Browse all 15,940 Culture quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/culture/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“It must be admitted that the West has reached a level of scientific mastery and outstanding specialisation. In its points of reference, this evolution commands admiration and all civilisations have to benefit from the dynamic of this rationality, as they can derive lessons from the progress achieved. \"Benefiting\", \"deriving lessons\" do not, nevertheless, mean submission. In the same way, it must be acknowledged that other civilisations and cultures propose a rich vision of the world, and that some of these have managed to preserve the basic values of life, and glimpses of their fundamental shape are beginning to be seen in the West. It is not a question of suggesting a new wave of \"love for exoticism and folklore\". 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