Ward: > - What exactly is it that makes a fanatic fanatical? I.e., what is the > underlying psychological motivation (perhaps/probably unconscious)? And > especially how does that differ from someone we would call "reasonable" but > merely enthusiastic (say a skateboarder :-) )? Blind obsession, unable to listen to others, comes to mind, in the fanatic. I recall something Peter Brandt wrote in reponse to someone asserting the credibility of their reputation, which I found to be profound: "Repeating self-perceived virtues does not make a man more credible. Grace and dignity in discussing with people with whom he disagrees will." How many fanaitics/zealots have you seen that can treat people whom they disagree with respect ? I think that the basic civility that Peter alludes to above is a trait that is found in people who I would not categorize as fanatics. I wouldn't venture to say what psychological underpinnings which lead to this fanaticism, but I do believe that the fanatics are so strung up on their own ego trip to consider the views of others. Interesting topic for speculation, Ward. Regards, David [log in to unmask]