Posts Tagged ‘fanaticism’

Purity Can Be a Potent Foe of Goodness

March 22, 2019 — “Fanaticism consists of redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim,” said George Santayana. Unfortunately, too many examples in public policy fit that definition. When fanaticism takes hold, purity becomes the yardstick. As a result, the opportunity for a good outcome can be lost. Let’s consider a few examples. Poisoning 10,000 People to Fight […]