While the pursuit of knowledge should be something obvious for any intelligent being instead of just being done because some ancient book says so, I've got to agree that Islam had some positive influence in that regard... however you've got to accept that it is a system that didn't succeed. Just compare the state of modern islam states and their education level compared to those countries which have a more laic system. (with Cuba being one of the most obvious examples in terms of education and culture level under a laic system)
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