Basically, fundamentalism is a modern phenomenon. In the same way that Hitler evoked a mythological religion of German purity and the glory of the past, the Islamists use religion to evoke emotions and passions in people who have been oppressed for a long time in order to reach their purpose. – Azar Nafisi
When I first left Iran at the age of 13, Iran had become such a shining star – it was the point to which all my desires and dreams returned. – Azar Nafisi
Religion was used as an ideology, as a system of control. When they forced the veil upon women, they were using it as an instrument of control in the same way that in Maos China people were wearing Mao jackets and women were not supposed to wear any makeup. – Azar Nafisi
America was based on a poetic vision. What will happen when it loses its poetry? – Azar Nafisi
Church tax exemption means that we all drop our money in the collection boxes, whether we go to church or not and whether we are interested in the church or not. It is systematic and complete robbery, from which none of us escapes. – E. Haldeman-Julius, The Church Is a Burden, Not a Benefit, In Social Life