...Or, quite to the contrary, might this faith, which apparently is still able to stir the masses, be an option, a way out, a promise; might it be able to solve the hopelessly tangled problems of our society, which no longer knows which norms to obey, in which rules to place its faith - in short, what might save it from itself?
These questions arouse an anxious curiosity. This curiosity is invaluable. Anything that prompts people to a deeper understanding of the Other is excellent. But there is also the danger that it will stray in the direction of false answers.
[pg. xlvii]
There is not reason to think that disillusionment, disappointment and tension can be avoided. There is no reason to think that people here, any more than elsewhere, will not be gripped by the temptation of what might be called - in the broadest, almost romantic sense - bourgeoisism, that satisfied mentality which delights in having, a mentality disastrous in its consequences, particularly in the blindness it causes. One can forecast as well a destructive turning to nihilism on the part of the dissatisfied.
[pg. li]
excerpts from Muhammad by Maxime Rodinson
These questions arouse an anxious curiosity. This curiosity is invaluable. Anything that prompts people to a deeper understanding of the Other is excellent. But there is also the danger that it will stray in the direction of false answers.
[pg. xlvii]
There is not reason to think that disillusionment, disappointment and tension can be avoided. There is no reason to think that people here, any more than elsewhere, will not be gripped by the temptation of what might be called - in the broadest, almost romantic sense - bourgeoisism, that satisfied mentality which delights in having, a mentality disastrous in its consequences, particularly in the blindness it causes. One can forecast as well a destructive turning to nihilism on the part of the dissatisfied.
[pg. li]
excerpts from Muhammad by Maxime Rodinson
