Quote by Voltaire (FrançoisMarie Arouet)
The man visited by ecstasies and visions, who takes dreams for realities is an enthusiast; the man who supports his madness with murder is a fanatic.
Summary
This quote states that there is a distinction between an enthusiast and a fanatic. An enthusiast is described as someone who indulges in ecstasies, visions, and dreams, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. In contrast, a fanatic takes their absurd beliefs to the extreme and justifies their extreme actions, even resorting to murder. The quote suggests that whereas an enthusiast may have harmless, albeit unconventional, interests, a fanatic's commitment to their warped ideals leads them down a dangerous path.