The “myth of progress” in our own country goes something like this: Humans are evolving into a more just and compassionate people. Acts of brutality are reversions to our basest, primitive instincts. They are no longer acceptable for a world that is building for the future, continuing our journey to peace, prosperity, and justice for all. So, not surprisingly, whenever we are confronted with terrorism or the barbarous tactics of radical Islamists, it’s common to hear American leaders—both on the Right and on the Left—say things like, “We are living in the twenty-first century now,” and “The
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