Dangerous Quote by Reinhold Niebuhr
“The fanatic is dangerous.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Man and Moral Order, 1946
The fanatic’s extreme zeal can cause harm and destabilize societies.
In simple terms: Fanaticism is dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Beware extreme zeal.
Themes
extremism
danger
social stability
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
warning
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- religious movements
- community leadership
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives people to fanaticism?
- How can societies mitigate extremist risks?
A Different Perspective
Fanaticism may arise from perceived injustice.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
