Orientalism

by Edward W. Said

The question is, can mankind fulfil its destiny without a fundamental revolution in the social state of Asia? If not, whatever may have been the crimes of England she was the unconscious tool of history in bringing about that revolution. Then, whatever bitterness the spectacle of the crumbling of an ancient world may have for our personal feelings, we have the right, in point of history, to exclaim with Goethe: Sollte diese Qual uns quälen Da sie unsere Lust vermehrt Hat nicht Myriaden Seelen Timurs Herrschaft aufgeziehrt?69 (Should this torture then torment us Since it brings us greater pleasure? Were not through the rule of Timur Souls devoured without measure?)

Quote from marx *side eye imoji