In the history of mankind, fanaticism has caused more harm than vice

In the history of mankind, fanaticism has caused more harm than vice

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.

There is no strong performance without a little fanaticism in the performer.

There is no strong performance without a little fanaticism in the performer.

I wish there were some cure, like the lover's leap, for all heads
of which some single idea has read more

I wish there were some cure, like the lover's leap, for all heads
of which some single idea has obtained an unreasonable and
irregular possession.

Fanaticism is overcompensation for doubt.

Fanaticism is overcompensation for doubt.

Wisdom becomes nonsense in the mouth of a fanatic.

Wisdom becomes nonsense in the mouth of a fanatic.

There is no place in a fanatic's head where reason can enter.

There is no place in a fanatic's head where reason can enter.

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

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.