Another Churchill Quote. I think he was 24 years old when made this. Remarkable, isn't it.
“How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property, either as a child, a wife, or a concubine, must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities - but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome.”
-Sir Winston Churchill, from The River War, An Historical Account of the Reconquest of the Soudan; first edition, Vol. II, pages 248-50 (London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1899).
Regarding the quote, I believe Churchill is reflecting on science as providing the means to slaughter an enemy wholesale in combat. Leastways, I'm sure there was a technological advantage in the "Reconquest of the Soudan".
Unfortunately, the Mohammedan has more modern means to fight back today. Wish the Europeans (and US) would reflect on these statements in their dealings with Iran...
Thanks for posting that astonishing Churchill quote. The man truly was a visionary.
What a shame he isn't still around.
GREAT post!!
Cool quote.
If you get a chance, read "War As I Knew It", by General George Patton. He says close to the same thing but without Churchill's flair.