A C Grayling - Christopher Hitchens - Elizabeth McNamer - Thomas Jefferson - Denis Diderot - Samuel Butler - John Milton - Alexander Pope - Pasquier Quesnel -
Misuse of reason might yet return the world to pre-technological night; plenty of religious zealots hunger for just such a result, and are happy to use the latest technology to effect it. A C Grayling, The Heart of Things: Applying Philosophy to the 21st Century
If you want to stay in for the long haul, and lead a life that is free from illusions either propagated by you or embraced by you, then I suggest you learn to recognize and avoid the symptoms of the zealot and the person who knows he is right. For the dissenter, the skeptical mentality is at least as important as any armor of principle. Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian
We have also at this time a group of people called Zealots. And Jesus in fact harboured one among his apostles. This was a group that had come into existence sometime before the common era. Their whole idea was to drive out the Romans. Professor Elizabeth McNamer
A single zealot may commence prosecutor, and better men be his victims. Thomas Jefferson
To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble aim is that of the zealot who tortures himself like a madman in order to desire nothing, love nothing, feel nothing, and who, if he succeeded, would end up a complete monster! Denis Diderot
For zeal’s a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant. Samuel Butler, Hudibras III ii 673
But his zeal
None seconded, as out of season judged,
Or singular and rash. John Milton, Paradise Lost V:849
Zeal then, not charity, became the guide. Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man III:261
I have more zeal than wit. Alexander Pope, Imitations of Horace II:56
Poets heap virtues, painters gems, at will,
And show their zeal, and hide their want of skill. Alexander Pope, Moral Essays II:185
Zeal is very blind, or badly regulated, when it encroaches upon the rights of others. Pasquier Quesnel