--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is also the wider fact that…" description: "\"“There is also the wider fact that politics more generally operates for some people as a secular religion—especially politics dictated by a worldview p..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e84/mary-eberstadt-84870_aspects-of-life_there-is-also-the-wider-fact-that-politi_2478804.jpg" --- # There is also the wider fact that politics more generally… ![“There is also the wider fact that politics more generally operates for some people as a secular religion—especially politics dictated by a worldview professing to cover all aspects of life, such as Marxism. One compelling statement of that case has been offered by social scientist and journalist…” quote by Mary Eberstadt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e84/mary-eberstadt-84870_aspects-of-life_there-is-also-the-wider-fact-that-politi_2478804.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e84/mary-eberstadt-84870_aspects-of-life_there-is-also-the-wider-fact-that-politi_2478804.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e84/mary-eberstadt-84870_aspects-of-life_there-is-also-the-wider-fact-that-politi_2478804.jpg) > ““There is also the wider fact that politics more generally operates for some people as a secular religion—especially politics dictated by a worldview professing to cover all aspects of life, such as Marxism. One compelling statement of that case has been offered by social scientist and journalist Stanley Kurtz, who locates just such a widespread transmutation in today’s passionate embrace of political liberalism—what Kurtz calls the “collective defense of the individual’s sacred rights”—by many Western people.63 “A certain form of liberalism,” he argues, “now functions for a substantial number of its adherents as a religion: an encompassing world-view that answers the big questions about life, dignifies daily exertions with higher significance, and provides a rationale”” [Mary Eberstadt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-eberstadt/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Political liberalism can act like a religion, giving followers a comprehensive worldview and sacred rights. **In simple terms:** Liberalism can become a belief system. Key Takeaway Recognize the quasi‑religious nature of politics. Themes politics religion ideology identity culture Mood critical reflective Type sociopolitical analytical When to use this quote - election campaigns - public protests - media commentary - academic research Key Concepts secularism collective identity rights discourse Questions to Reflect On - What are the benefits of seeing politics as a belief system? - How can societies balance secular and sacred values? A Different Perspective Treating politics as religion may limit critical dissent. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aspects of life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aspects-of-life/) [Form Liberalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/form-liberalism-840303/) [Liberalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberalism/) [Liberalism Argues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberalism-argues-840304/) [Liberalism Kurtz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberalism-kurtz-840301/) [Political Liberalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political-liberalism-840302/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Questions About Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/questions-about-life-221230/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [That old Bobby Kennedy 1968 form of liberalism where you could be holding hands with the Appalachian family on one day and then be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/van-jones/that-old-bobby-kennedy-1968-form-of-liberalism-where-you-could-be/) [Van Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/van-jones/) > [There is a contradiction between market liberalism and political liberalism. 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