Antifanatic

/ˌæntiˌfænəˈtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Opposed to fanaticism or extreme devotion to a cause; promoting rational, moderate beliefs instead of passionate extremism.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + fanatic (from Latin fanaticus, originally meaning inspired by a god). The term emerged to describe movements promoting reason and tolerance over zealotry.

Kelly Says

The Enlightenment era championed antifanatic philosophy as thinkers like Voltaire mocked religious extremism and promoted tolerance; interestingly, this rejection of fanaticism itself became almost a passionate movement, showing how hard it is to be truly unemotional about beliefs.

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