A people that has remained convinced of its greatness and invulnerability, that has chosen to believe such a myth in the face of all the evidence, is a people in the grip of a kind of sleep, or madness.
In Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses," the author reflects on the dangers of a society that firmly believes in its own superiority and invincibility, despite clear contrary evidence. This unwavering conviction can lead to a detachment from reality, where the truth is ignored in favor of comforting myths. Such a collective mindset can create an environment where critical thought is diminished, and individuals fail to see the risks surrounding them.
This notion suggests that when a population embraces an idealized self-image, it risks becoming oblivious to its flaws and vulnerabilities. This blindness can be likened to a state of slumber or even madness, indicating that the refusal to confront uncomfortable truths may ultimately hinder progress and understanding. Through this lens, Rushdie warns against the perils of complacency and the critical need for self-awareness within any society.
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