Christopher Hitchens - Thomas Jefferson - Jon Krakauer - Friedrich Nietzsche - Daniel C Dennett - Winston Churchill - George Santayana - Bertrand Russell - Linda Chavez - H L Mencken - John Keats - Napoleon Bonaparte - Aldous Huxley - Bryant H McGill - Oscar Wilde - Will Rogers - Denis Diderot - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy 2011 -
We cannot possibly adjust enough to please the fanatics, and it is degrading to make the attempt. Christopher Hitchens, The Atlantic 2001
In our Richmond there is much fanaticism, but chiefly among the women. They have their night meetings and praying parties, where, attended by their priests, and sometimes by a hen-pecked husband, they pour forth the effusions of their love to Jesus, in terms as amatory and carnal, as their modesty will permit to a merely earthly lover. Thomas Jefferson
Although the far territory of the extreme can exert an intoxicating pull on susceptible individuals of all bents, extremism seems to be especially prevalent among those inclined by temperament or upbringing toward religious pursuits. Faith is the very antithesis of reason, injudiciousness a crucial component of spiritual devotion. And when religious fanaticism supplants ratiocination, all bets are suddenly off. Jon Krakauer, Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith
Fanatics are picturesque, mankind would rather see gestures than listen to reasons. Friedrich Nietzsche
In the long run I certainly hope information is the cure for fanaticism. But I am afraid information is more the cause than the cure. Daniel C Dennett
A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject. Winston Churchill
Fanaticism consists in redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim. George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905
Fanaticism is the danger of the world. It always has been. And has done untold harm. Bertrand Russell, interview BBC 1959
In fact the US Military has bent over backwards to respect the religious beliefs of some very dangerous fanatics who want to kill us. Linda Chavez
The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression. H L Mencken
Fanatics have their dreams, wherewith they weave
A paradise for a sect. John Keats, The Fall of Hyperion
There is no place in a fanatic’s head where reason can enter. Napoleon Bonaparte
A fanatic is a man who consciously over-compensates a secret doubt. Aldous Huxley
Fanatic is often the name given to people of action by people who are lazy. Bryant H McGill
The worst vice of a fanatic is his sincerity. Oscar Wilde
A fanatic is always the fellow on the opposite side. Will Rogers
The most dangerous madmen are those created by religion, and people whose aim is to disrupt society always know how to make good use of them on occasion. Denis Diderot
The fanatic is always concealing a secret doubt. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy ***** 2011 starring Gary Oldman & Colin Firth & Tom Hardy & Mark Strong & Ciaran Hinds & Benedict Cumberbatch & David Dencik & Stephen Graham & Simon McBurney & Toby Jones & John Hurt & Kathy Burke et al, director Tomas Alfredson, George