---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The enemy is not fundamentalism; it is…"
description: "\"The enemy is not fundamentalism; it is intolerance. In this case, the intolerance is perverse since it masquerades under the \"liberal\" rhetoric of \"equ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be1/stephen-jay-gould-885_cases_the-enemy-is-not-fundamentalism-it-is-in_548048.jpg"
---

#  The enemy is not fundamentalism; it is intolerance. In…

![“The enemy is not fundamentalism; it is intolerance. In this case, the intolerance is perverse since it masquerades under the "liberal" rhetoric of "equal time." But mistake it not.” quote by Stephen Jay Gould](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be1/stephen-jay-gould-885_cases_the-enemy-is-not-fundamentalism-it-is-in_548048.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be1/stephen-jay-gould-885_cases_the-enemy-is-not-fundamentalism-it-is-in_548048.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be1/stephen-jay-gould-885_cases_the-enemy-is-not-fundamentalism-it-is-in_548048.jpg)

> “The enemy is not fundamentalism; it is intolerance. In this case, the intolerance is perverse since it masquerades under the "liberal" rhetoric of "equal time." But mistake it not.”

[Stephen Jay Gould](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-jay-gould/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Intolerance, not fundamentalism, is the real danger, especially when hidden behind liberal claims.

**In simple terms:** Intolerance is the true enemy.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and confront hidden intolerance.

Themes

intolerance fundamentalism politics

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

- public discourse
- policy making
- education
- media analysis

Key Concepts

social critique critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

- What signs reveal hidden intolerance?
- How can we ensure true openness?

A Different Perspective

Liberal rhetoric can sometimes mask intolerance unintentionally.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Creationism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/creationism/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Fundamentalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fundamentalism/) [Intolerance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intolerance/) [Masquerade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/masquerade/) [Mistake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mistake/) [Rhetoric](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rhetoric/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/)

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