Fanaticism is at its very strongest when it has political or, better still, religious motivation.
Interpretation
Fanaticism thrives when driven by politics or religion, leading to extreme beliefs and actions.
In this quote, Douglas Murray highlights how fanaticism is often fueled by a strong ideological conviction, particularly in the realms of politics and religion. When individuals or groups are driven by these motivations, their beliefs can become so intense that they overshadow reason and compassion, leading to extreme behaviors and societal conflict. This serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that unchecked fervor can pose to society.
In practice
In a discussion about political movements, I referenced Murray's quote to illustrate how extreme beliefs can disrupt societal harmony.
A fanatic commits to an ideal to whatever end. A fanatic throws everything aside to pursue their idea. Take something which it would be good to be committed to, like basic human rights. You might campaign for such a thing. You might spend every day of your life pursuing such a thing. But once you become fanatical about it, anything can happen.
A good cause need not be tarnished by its most fanatical expressions. But it is rarely helped by them.
Londoners say, 'We're so proud of our diversity and tolerance,' but what if that diversity ends up making us intolerant?
It is better to cherish virtue and humanity, by leaving much to free will, even with some loss of the object , than to attempt to make men mere machines and instruments of political benevolence. The world on the whole will gain by a liberty, without which virtue cannot exist.
But why do some people support [the heretics]?" "Because it serves their purposes, which concern the faith rarely, and more often the conquest of power." "Is that why the church of Rome accuses all its adversaries of heresy?" "That is why, and that is also why it recognizes as orthodoxy any heresy it can bring back under its own control or must accept because the heresy has become too strong.
If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies.
The only real number is one, the rest are mere repetition
True charity is the desire to be useful to others with no thought of recompense.
When I am silent, I have thunder hidden inside.
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