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[Sayyid Qutb] It needs strength to struggle against its bad conditions, while its bad conditions do not allow it to obtain this strength. Here comes the role of self-education in a special setting capable of resisting society, for society is a harmful force under these conditions.

It is a deadly, crushing force. In the special setting, however, there is sound, firm education, an education that gathers together every good factor and every element of strength. Little by little, the individual finds himself and joins with others who feel as he does. From this emerges a united force to struggle against bad conditions and overcome the pressure of the environment.

Here emerge elements of resistance that society cannot crush and circumstances cannot subdue, because they are cohesive, possess an aim, and have a method.

Around every sound idea and every upright principle are many worms, clinging leeches. Because the people have not received a sound, stable education that makes aims clear in their conscience, they do not crush the leeches so that noble ideas and great principles may live. Nor do they crush those who jest at a moment of seriousness and those who treat things lightly at the hour of sacrifice.

Because these leeches are wormlike and polluted by nature, they leave nothing clean that ought to remain clean. All sacred things are polluted. All great things are belittled. All inviolable things are dishonored. Thus the people proceed toward the noblest ends while moving their feet through filth and mud, and advance toward the gravest aims while confusing matters and turning them into a joke.

Take, for example, the popular struggle in the battle for freedom in these days. This

[Later compiler's note 13] That was sixteen years ago.