Cruelty lurks in our instincts, and fanaticism is a camouflage for cruelty. Fanatics are seldom genuinely humane, and those who sincerely dread cruelty will be slow to adopt a fanatical creed.
Source: Bertrand Russell: The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism, 1920, chap.1:What is hoped from Bolshevism,
More info.： https://russell-j.com/cool/15T-1011.HTM
* a brief comment:
In this world, there are not simply righteous people and evil people; there are only people who are more righteous or more evil. In other words, 'good and evil' are not absolute but relative. The notion of dividing the world into justice and evil seems to be influenced by monotheism. Such an idea or way of thinking is incompatible with polytheistic cultures like those of Japan and Asia. Unfortunately, quite a few Japanese politicians who follow America adhere to such views or ways of thinking. It is said that Prime Minister Ishiba is a devout Christian (Protestant), and if he also holds such ideas or perspectives, then even if his words display humility, there is a risk that some cruel creed may lurk beneath the surface.
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