We can no longer ignore the fact that billions of our neighbors believe in the metaphysics of martyrdom, or in the literal truth of the book of Revelation, or any of the other fantastical notions that have lurked in the minds of the faithful for millennia-because our neighbors are now armed with chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.[2]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker argues that we must address the fact that many people hold extreme beliefs while possessing dangerous weapons.
- In plain terms
- We cannot ignore that many people believe in extreme ideas and have access to deadly weapons.
- What can you take from it?
- Extreme beliefs combined with advanced weapons create significant global risks.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should societies respond to dangerous beliefs held by individuals with access to weapons?
- Is it possible to separate belief systems from security threats?
Another view
Most people with such beliefs do not possess or use weapons of mass destruction.
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