Quote by Christopher Hitchens

It was sometimes feebly argued, as the political and military war against this enemy ran into difficulties, that it was 'a war without end.' I never saw the point of this plaintive objection. The war against superstition and the totalitarian mentality is an endless war. In protean forms, it is fought and refought in every country and every generation. In bin Ladenism we confront again the awful combination of the highly authoritarian personality with the chaotically nihilist and anarchic one. Temporary victories can be registered against this, but not permanent ones. As Bertold Brecht's character says over the corpse of the terrible Arturo Ui, the bitch that bore him is always in heat. But it is in this struggle that we develop the muscles and sinews that enable us to defend civilization, and the moral courage to name it as something worth fighting for.

It was sometimes feebly argued, as the political and militar

Summary

This quote argues that the war against superstition and the totalitarian mentality is a never-ending battle. It dismisses the idea that it is a war without end, emphasizing that it is a constant fight that takes on different forms in every country and generation. The quote also highlights the challenge of combating the authoritarian and anarchic tendencies found in manifestations like bin Ladenism. Although temporary victories may be achieved, the struggle is perpetual. Despite this, it is through this ongoing struggle that individuals build the strength and bravery needed to defend civilization and recognize its value.

Topics

War Superstition Totalitarianism Nihilism Islamism Authoritarianism Osama Bin Laden Al Qaeda Bertold Brecht

By Christopher Hitchens

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