Global terrorism is extreme both in its lack of realistic goals and in its cynical exploitation of the vulnerability of complex systems.
Jurgen HabermasRead
If the September 11 terror attack is supposed to constitute a caesura in world history, it must be able to stand comparison to other events of world historical impact.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the September 11 attacks should be viewed as a significant turning point in history, comparable to other major historical events.
Jurgen Habermas reflects on the significance of the September 11 terror attacks, arguing that if these events are seen as a pivotal moment in world history, they should be analyzed alongside other historically impactful occurrences. This contemplation urges a deeper understanding of how historical events shape societal perspectives and global relations.
Themes
September 11HistorySignificanceEventImpact
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture about historical turning points, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of September 11.
More from Jurgen Habermas
All quotes βI cannot imagine a context that would some day, in some manner, make the monstrous crime of September 11 an understandable or comprehensible political act
Jurgen HabermasRead
The scenarios of biological or chemical warfare painted in detail by the American media during the months after September 11 only betray the inability of the government to determine the magnitude of the danger.
Jurgen HabermasRead
Perhaps September 11 could be called the first historic world event in the strictest sense: the impact, the explosion, the slow collapse - a gruesome reality literally took place in front of a global public.
Jurgen HabermasRead
The difference between political terror and ordinary crime becomes clear during the change of regimes, in which former terrorists become well-regarded representatives of their country.
Jurgen HabermasRead
Today's Islamic fundamentalism is also a cover for political motifs. We should not overlook the political motifs we encounter in forms of religious fanaticism
Jurgen HabermasRead
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