“The sectaries of a persecuted religion, depressed by fear, animated with resentment, and perhaps heated by enthusiasm, are seldom in a proper temper of mind calmly to investigate, or candidly to appreciate, the motives of their enemies, which often escape the impartial and discerning view even of those who are placed at a secure distance from the flames of persecution.”
Persecuted groups, driven by fear and resentment, lack the calm objectivity needed to understand their oppressors, often missing deeper motives.
In simple terms: Fear clouds understanding of oppressors.
Persecution hinders impartial insight.
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Even oppressed groups can sometimes recognize their oppressors' motives when given safe space and reliable information.
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