Fanaticism, the false fire of an overheated mind.

Fanaticism, the false fire of an overheated mind.

As any action or posture long continued will distort and
disfigure the limbs; so the mind likewise is crippled read more

As any action or posture long continued will distort and
disfigure the limbs; so the mind likewise is crippled and
contracted by perpetual application to the same set of ideas.

The fanatic is incorruptible: if he kills for an idea, he can just as well get himself killed for one; read more

The fanatic is incorruptible: if he kills for an idea, he can just as well get himself killed for one; in either case, tyrant or martyr, he is a monster.

Wisdom becomes nonsense in the mouth of a fanatic.

Wisdom becomes nonsense in the mouth of a fanatic.

Fanatical religion driven to a certain point is almost as bad as
none at all, but not quite.

Fanatical religion driven to a certain point is almost as bad as
none at all, but not quite.

If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing read more

If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, then and only then will truth, prevail over fanaticism

Fanaticism obliterates the feelings of humanity.

Fanaticism obliterates the feelings of humanity.

Fanatics in power and the funnel of a tornado have this in common - the narrow path in which they read more

Fanatics in power and the funnel of a tornado have this in common - the narrow path in which they move is marked by violence and destruction

Fanatics have their dreams, wherewith they weave a paradise for a sect.

Fanatics have their dreams, wherewith they weave a paradise for a sect.