User:JoeMonco/HowTo:Be a fanatic
It is a cold winter night. You have been spending hours reading literature written by a certain lesser-known philosopher of the early Modern era. Alongside your favorite band's poster, there are countless stickers and emblems splattering all over the wall. You recall the concern voiced by your peers in regards to your sudden changes in personality and your new-found devotion to unpopular ideologies. Despite the good intentions, you have decided that they were not open-minded enough and could not appreciate the fact that you were simply believing in what is right. Besides, you have already resolved to distancing yourself from them and instead spending your recreational time attending lectures held by a certain "community" group and participating in related activities that you consider more worthwhile. Yes, the time has come that you make a leap of faith to become a fanatic.
Three pillars of fanaticism[edit | edit source]
The fundamental doctrine of fanaticism is summarized in three key points, or "pillars". Also known as the "Fire Triangle of Fanaticism", a true fanatic must adhere strictly to all these pillars of faith in order to be accepted as such. These are: -
- Problem: that one must believe there is a pressing issue, significant or otherwise, needing to be addressed swiftly,
- Solution: that one must believe there is only one solution to said issue, and
- Agenda: that one must embark on pushing said solution onto others at their expenses.
One that forgoes the first pillar is not a true fanatic, but, rather, a "blind sheep". Similarly, one that forgoes the second pillar is neither a true fanatic but an "idiot", and the third, a "coward". Pioneered by Adolf Hitler in his publication Mein Kempf: Four Years of Struggle against Lies, Stupidity, and Cowardice prior to the Second World War, the Three Pillars of Fanaticism are still firmly upheld by fanatics in all colors and shapes worldwide.
Problem - The First Pillar[edit | edit source]
Today's human society is ridden with problems. Rising sea level, dwindling food supplies, earthquakes, hurricanes, killer diseases and what not? Not interested in the nature's fury? How about politics then? Iran? Iraq? Afghanistan? Kosovo? Somalia? Or something closer to home such as the Left? The Right? The Liberal? The Conservative? Or perhaps something about the economy then? Inflation? Deflation? Housing prices? Fuel costs? Employment rate? Wages and salaries? Taxes and duties? Still no? How about something more ideological then? Science? Religion? Moral? Cultures and traditions? Lifestyles? Or something more mundane then? Things you eat? Things you take when you are sick? Things you puchase? Things you do for a living? There is bound to a problem or two in this world that you have the urge to have a say about. The desire to address a problem is the prime motive of every fanatic. It is the fire of zeal that burns within, the flames of eternity that even the ocean itself cannot quell. Once you have decided what is of your most pressing concern, you have already successfully adhered to the First Pillar of the fanatic faith and are ready to move on to the Second.
Solution - The Second Pillar[edit | edit source]
As mentioned, there is only one solution to that paticular problem you have just taken on your shoulders. That solution is you and those with you in your stance. Never mind the apathy and the opposing voices that you have been receiving from your surroundings. You are the only one with the open mind, and you are the only one seeing the matter through the looking glass with a clear vision. There is nothing in the world the you do not know or have not taken into consideration. You are never fooled by your own prejudice and emotions, your are the one with the proper understanding, and it is only appropiate for you to not only criticize, but also to attempt to adjust other people's thinking in regards to the issue, either politely or otherwise. This is the battle of the wills, and by the name of the Universe and everything within, you are on the right side. Let yourself not deterred by the blind and the dim-witted; for there are only two type of people in the world - your friends and your enemies. You cannot persuade every single person in the world to join your cause, however. Action must be taken.