When I was writing 'The Satanic Verses,' if you had asked me about the phenomenon that we all now know as radical Islam, I wouldn't have had much to say. As recently as the mid-1980s, it didn't seem to be a big deal.
- ---Salman Rushdie---
This quote highlights the unpredictable nature of social and political transformations. Rushdie reflects on how a phenomenon like radical Islam was not widely recognized as a significant force during the time he was writing, emphasizing how issues can emerge or escalate rapidly over time. It serves as a reminder of the importance of paying attention to emerging trends and the unpredictable evolution of global ideologies. Understanding such shifts is crucial for fostering awareness and dialogue around complex cultural and religious movements, which can dramatically impact societies. This insight also underscores the fluidity of history and how perceptions can change in unexpectedly profound ways.
