Contrary to some commentators, though, he is not out to get Islam. Rather he wants the religion to attract the same historical attention paid to Christianity and Judaism. “Islam is like a shot of caffeine into British culture,” he says. “It adds a new dimension to the world, it enriches the variety and scope of our intellectual life.” Holland sounds like he is channelling his hero Herodotus. The ancient historian’s insatiable curiosity led him to examine the customs of different nations with a comparative eye. He relates that Darius once invited some Indians and Greeks to explain their respective burial rites. He asks the Greeks whether they would ever devour their dead as the Indians (apparently) did, and then asks the Indians whether they would ever burn their dead as the Greeks did. Both refuse in disgust. Quoting Pindar, Herodotus concludes, “Custom is the king of all.” Holland points out that “what is extraordinary about this story is that Herodotus put the Persian king in the position of judge. He positions a barbarian as his fulcrum.”