In a message dated 2/21/01 12:30:03 AM Central Standard Time,
johnmarlow@gmx.net writes:
> From a strictly practical standpoint, I don't think their stance, if
> any, will be significant because they don't comprise a significant
> portion of the "tech pool" and lack the influence to affect
> development and applications. Violent opposition, on the other hand,
> could have significant effects.
I missed the original post in this thread before I fixed my mail problems.
There's no question in my mind that "Islamism" is a major factor of
regression in many parts of the world today, from the assault on secularism
in Turkey to the obvious barbarity of the Taliban and the spark for tribal
violence in oceanic southeast Asia.
One interesting historical question that bears study by anyone interested in
how cultures evolve with reference to the dynamic of enlightenment versus its
opposing forces is how the Islamic world was transformed from a cradle of
learning and innovation in the 13th Century to the regressive force it is
today. I have encountered the theory that the dynamic, innovative elements
of the Islamic world were destroyed by the Mongols, and that the history of
Islam has been one of retrenchment and reaction ever since. Study of this
thesis is one that is on my agenda - I'll get to it someday . . .
Greg Burch <GBurch1@aol.com>----<gburch@lockeliddell.com>
Attorney ::: Vice President, Extropy Institute ::: Wilderness Guide
http://www.gregburch.net -or- http://members.aol.com/gburch1
ICQ # 61112550
"We never stop investigating. We are never satisfied that we know
enough to get by. Every question we answer leads on to another
question. This has become the greatest survival trick of our species."
-- Desmond Morris
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