The greatest number of drug addicts are to be found in Teheran and in Karachi, not in the West. Not in New York believe it or not. It's the same with the roles of slavery, racism and imperialism in the world. These institutions were present in other cultures. However, it was Western civilization which did something about slavery, about racism and voluntarily dissolved its empires leaving behind a very positive legacy of institutions not to mention buildings and roadways.
Ibn WarraqWhile many Islamic countries pay lip service to the idea of freedom of religion, they don't put up with conversion from Islam to another religion.
Ibn WarraqIt is the West that has liberated women, racial minorities, religious minorities, and gays and lesbians, recognizing and defending their rights. The notions of freedom and human rights were present at the dawn of Western civilization, as ideals at least, but have gradually come to fruition through supreme acts of self-criticism.
Ibn WarraqNot only is the West so successful economically, but it leads the world scientifically, and culturally.
Ibn WarraqThe idea that the West was economically successful because of slavery, it's just nonsense.
Ibn Warraq