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Fanaticism Quotes

How thinkers describe extremism and the doubt beneath it.

These fanaticism quotes treat it less as strong conviction than its opposite, with one describing fanaticism as overcompensation for underlying Doubt. Another separates fanaticism and terrorism from mainstream religious practice, stating plainly that neither belongs within Islam.

Fanaticism is overcompensation for doubt.

Quotes by Robertson Davies

Fanaticism and terrorism have no place in Islam.

Quotes by Feisal Abdul Rauf

Fanaticism obliterates the feelings of humanity.

Quotes by Edward Gibbon

The Muslim world is threatened by religious fanaticism. The Western world is threatened by secular fanaticism.

Quotes by Dennis Prager

Barbarism Quotes

From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.

Quotes by Denis Diderot

The opposite of compromise is fanaticism and death.

Quotes by Amos Oz

Frequently Asked Questions

What do these quotes suggest is the root cause of fanaticism?
One quote frames it as overcompensation for doubt, implying that extreme certainty can be a cover for unresolved uncertainty rather than genuine conviction.
Do these quotes link fanaticism to any single religion?
No, one quote explicitly states that fanaticism and terrorism have no place in Islam, distinguishing extremist violence from the faith itself. Another notes both religious and secular fanaticism threaten different parts of the world.
How does fanaticism affect empathy, according to these quotes?
One quote states directly that fanaticism obliterates ordinary human feeling, suggesting extreme conviction can crowd out basic empathy for others.
Is fanaticism described as only a religious problem here?
No, one quote pairs religious fanaticism threatening the Muslim world with secular fanaticism threatening the West, treating both as comparable dangers rather than singling out one belief system.
What's the opposite of fanaticism in these quotes?
The quotes imply Compromise and honest doubt sit on the other end of the spectrum from fanatical certainty.

A further quote widens the lens, noting that religious fanaticism threatens one part of the world while secular fanaticism threatens another. Others focus on its human cost, arguing fanaticism erodes basic empathy long before it turns toward Death.