A fanatic is a man that does what he thinks the lord would do if he knew the facts of the case

A fanatic is a man that does what he thinks the lord would do if he knew the facts of the case

Finley Peter Dunne was an American humorist and journalist who is best known for his character Mr. Dooley, an Irish-American bartender who offered humorous and satirical commentary on politics and society. One of Dunne's most famous quotes is, "A fanatic is a man that does what he thinks the lord would do if he knew the facts of the case." This quote encapsulates Dunne's keen insight into human nature and the dangers of blind faith and extremism.

In the context of Dunne's work, this quote can be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of zealotry and dogmatism. A fanatic is someone who is so convinced of their own righteousness and moral superiority that they are willing to do anything in the name of their cause, regardless of the consequences. They believe that they are acting in accordance with the will of a higher power, but in reality, they are often driven by their own prejudices and biases.

Dunne's Mr. Dooley character often poked fun at politicians and other figures who exhibited fanatical behavior. Through his witty and satirical commentary, Dunne highlighted the absurdity of extremism and the dangers of blindly following a cause without questioning its validity. He understood that true morality and righteousness come from a place of empathy, understanding, and critical thinking, rather than rigid adherence to a set of beliefs.