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About this quote

What does it mean?
People may fear life and justify killing it under ideologies like socialism, state, honor, or religion.
In plain terms
Fear of life can lead people to destroy it while claiming they act for higher causes.
What can you take from it?
Recognize fear‑driven justifications and seek authentic purpose.

Where it applies

  • political radicalism
  • religious extremism
  • authoritarian rule

Putting it to work

  • question underlying motives
  • promote critical thinking
  • encourage personal responsibility

Questions to consider

  • What fears drive your actions?
  • Can you separate ideology from personal fear?

Another view

Not all ideological actions stem from fear; some are sincere convictions.

More from Wilhelm Reich

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  2. The kindly individual believes that all people are kindly and act accordingly. The plague individual believes that all people lie, swindle, steal and crave pow…

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  3. This sentence makes me hesitate. I contend to be a fighter for pureness and truth. I hesitate, because I am afraid of you and your attitude towards truth. To s…

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