Human nature simply cannot subsist without a hope and aim of some kind; as the sanity of the Old Testament truly said, where there is no vision the people perisheth. But it is precisely because an ideal is necessary to man that the man without ideals is in permanent danger of fanaticism.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans need hope or an ideal to function sanely, but lacking a defined ideal makes one vulnerable to fanaticism.
- In plain terms
- People need a vision to live, but without one they may become fanatics.
- What can you take from it?
- Hold clear ideals to avoid the danger of fanaticism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What vision guides your daily life?
- How do you avoid becoming fanatical?
Another view
Not all visions prevent fanaticism; some ideals can be harmful.
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