Accepting Quote by Jared Diamond
“[W]hat makes patriotic and religious fanatics such dangerous opponents is not the deaths of the fanatics themselves, but their willingness to accept the deaths of a fraction of their number in order to annihilate or crush their infidel enemy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The World Until Yesterday, Jared Diamond, 2012
Fanatics become dangerous because they accept sacrificing part of their own group to destroy enemies, showing extreme commitment.
In simple terms: Willingness to sacrifice for ideology makes opponents dangerous.
Recognize the cost of extreme commitment.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political radicalism
- religious conflict
- military strategy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives groups to accept internal loss for external goals?
- Can extreme commitment be redirected positively?
Such sacrifice can lead to moral erosion and unintended civilian harm.