What is objectionable, what is dangerous about extremists, is not that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant. The evil is not what they say about their cause, but what they say about their opponents.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kennedy warns that extremism is dangerous because of intolerance toward opponents, not merely because of extreme ideas.
- In plain terms
- He says the problem with extremists is their intolerance, not just their extreme views.
- What can you take from it?
- Combat intolerance, not just radical ideas, to reduce extremism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can societies encourage tolerance?
- What role does education play in reducing extremism?
Another view
Intolerance can be deeply ingrained and hard to change.
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