In morals what begins in fear usually ends in wickedness; in religion what begins in fear usually ends in fanaticism. Fear, either as a principle or a motive, is the beginning of all evil.

Summary

This quote suggests that when fear is the driving force behind moral decisions or religious beliefs, it often leads to negative outcomes. In the realm of morals, actions rooted in fear tend to result in wickedness, implying that fear can compromise ethical judgment. Similarly, in religion, when fear serves as the foundation for faith, it frequently leads to fanaticism, indicating an extreme and irrational adherence to beliefs. Ultimately, the quote implies that fear as a principle or motivation can give rise to various forms of evil rather than promoting positive, virtuous behavior.