Fanaticism is at its very strongest when it has political or, better still, religious motivation.
Douglas MurrayRead
A good cause need not be tarnished by its most fanatical expressions. But it is rarely helped by them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A virtuous cause can suffer from extreme viewpoints, which may not aid its progress.
This quote highlights the notion that while a noble cause or idea is valuable, its reputation and effectiveness can be jeopardized by the overly passionate or radical expressions of its supporters. It suggests that moderation and reasoned approaches are generally more effective in achieving the goals of the cause, rather than being overshadowed by the actions of its most fervent advocates.
Themes
CauseExtremismAdvocacyExpressionModeration
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community activism, one might say, 'Remember, a good cause need not be tarnished by its most fanatical expressions.'
More from Douglas Murray
All quotes →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.
Douglas MurrayRead
Londoners say, 'We're so proud of our diversity and tolerance,' but what if that diversity ends up making us intolerant?
Douglas MurrayRead
Similar quotes
A single day is enough to make us a little larger or, another time, a little smaller.
Paul KleeRead
No revolution is worth anything unless it can defend itself.
Vladimir LeninRead
Ah, why should all mankind For one man's fault, be condemned, If guiltless?
John MiltonRead
Tyranny is for the worst of treasons.
Lord ByronRead
While all societies make their own imaginaries (institutions, laws, traditions, beliefs and behaviors), autonomous societies are those that their members are aware of this fact, and explicitly self-institute (αυτο-νομούνται). In contrast, the members of heteronomous societies attribute their imaginaries to some extra-social authority (i.e. God, ancestors, historical necessity)
Cornelius CastoriadisRead
We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world....No doubt pain as God's megaphone is a terrible instrument; it may lead to final and unrepented rebellion. But it gives the only opportunity the bad man can have for amendment. it removes the veil; it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of the rebel soul.
C. S. LewisRead