Quote by Aldous Huxley
Defined in psychological terms, a fanatic is a man who consciously over-compensates a secret doubt.
Summary
This quote suggests that a fanatic is someone who goes to extreme lengths to convince themselves and others of their beliefs or ideals. It implies that deep down, the fanatic may harbor doubts or insecurities and uses excessive zeal as a way to compensate for these doubts. In this context, fanaticism is seen as a conscious effort to suppress internal doubts and project unyielding certainty, potentially driven by a fear of acknowledging uncertainties or being challenged in their beliefs.