Islam makes very large claims for itself. In its art, there is a prejudice against representing the human form at all. The prohibition on picturing the prophet - who was only another male mammal - is apparently absolute. So is the prohibition on pork or alcohol or, in some Muslim societies, music or dancing. Very well then, let a good Muslim abstain rigorously from all these. But if he claims the right to make me abstain as well, he offers the clearest possible warning and proof of an aggressive intent.
Christopher HitchensName a moral statement or action, uttered or performed by a religious person that could not have been uttered or performed by an unbeliever.
Christopher HitchensI used to wish there was a useful term for those of us who thought American power should be used to remove psychopathic dictators.
Christopher HitchensRuthless and arrogant though power can appear, it is only ever held by mere mammals who excrete and yearn, and who suffer from insomnia and insecurity. These mammals are also necessarily vain in the ยญextreme, and often wish to be liked almost as much as they desire to be feared.
Christopher Hitchens