Barbarism Quote by Denis Diderot
“Fanaticism is just one step away from barbarism.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Fanaticism, 1765
Fanaticism is a short step away from barbarism, implying extreme zeal can become cruel.
In simple terms: Extreme zeal can quickly turn cruel.
Key Takeaway
Beware of extreme zeal.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- political activism
- religious fervor
- social movements
Key Concepts
extremism
human behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- When does passion become harmful?
- How can societies prevent fanatic excess?
A Different Perspective
Not all passion leads to barbarism.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[Much] as war attracts me and fascinates my mind with its tremendous situations, I feel more deeply every year . . . what vile and wicked folly and barbarism it all is.” quote by Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e15/winston-churchill-95_barbarism_much-as-war-attracts-me-and-fascinates-m_68452.jpg)
