Absolutes Quote by Anthony Storr
“What chiefly concerns and alarms many of us are the problems arising from religious fanaticism. As long as large numbers of militant enthusiasts are persuaded that they alone have access to the truth, and that the rest of us are infidels, we remain under threat. Lord Acton's famous phrase about power can be used of another danger. Dogma tends to corrupt, and absolute dogma corrupts absolutely.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Psychology of Religion, 1995
The passage warns that religious fanaticism, driven by exclusive truth claims, threatens society, and that absolute dogma inevitably corrupts.
In simple terms: Fanaticism and absolute dogma threaten society.
Key Takeaway
Beware of exclusive truth claims.
Themes
religion
fanaticism
dogma
power
societal risk
Mood
cautious
concerned
analytical
Type
ethical
social
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- community building
- education
- interfaith dialogue
- policy making
Key Concepts
psychology of belief
authoritarianism
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can limit fanaticism?
- How can inclusive dialogue reduce dogmatic threats?
A Different Perspective
Dogma can also foster community and identity.
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