The Enlightenment, the Age of Reason, is seen as the beginning of modern depravity.
Umberto EcoRead
All the religious wars that have caused blood to be shed for centuries arise from passionate feelings and facile counter-positions, such as Us and Them, good and bad, white and black.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religious wars stem from extreme emotions and simplistic distinctions between opposing groups.
Umberto Eco's quote highlights how deeply rooted emotional extremes and simplistic dichotomies drive religious conflicts throughout history. By framing the world into categories like 'Us versus Them' or 'good versus bad,' individuals and groups justify violence and bloodshed, often failing to appreciate the complexity of human beliefs and values. Eco urges a reconsideration of these binary distinctions to foster understanding and peace instead of division.
Themes
ReligionWarViolenceEmotionPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the impact of religion on society, this quote can highlight the dangers of polarization.
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The lunatic is all idée fixe, and whatever he comes across confirms his lunacy. You can tell him by the liberties he takes with common sense, by his flashes of inspiration, and by the fact that sooner or later he brings up the Templars.
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