My only problem with your post is your misunderstanding of the word "fanatic". Used referring to enthusiasts like us on this list it is pure hyperbole.
Fanaticism can be short term (mobs), or long term. It probably was a survival mechanism in hunter/gatherer societies. In industrial societies it is a source of unreasoned violence extraordinaire. All terrorists are fanatics, all fanatics are potential terrorists. The psychological mechanism is simple: "I believe in something" => "Death to unbelievers". It unfortunately seems to be an inate psychological mechanism in the human species. It does seem to apply to groups more than individuals. I wonder if there has been any research done on the minimum size of group needed to trigger it? graywolf http://www.graywolfphoto.com "Idiot Proof" <==> "Expert Proof" ----------------------------------- Bob Blakely wrote:
No one really knows for sure, but current thought is that sociopaths are born that way. Fanatics don't bother me. We're a list of fanatics after all.
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