Quote:
Religion is a stylised form of fanaticism, a specialised subset of fanaticism itself, which is simply a human trait, nothing more. And there are no doubt fanatical scientists, but to say that all zeal is synonymous with religion? I don't agree at all. You can be enthusiastic and objective simultaneously, unless you are an amoeba.
I agree Phil, that's why I put the word 'religious' in quotes. Perhaps I should have said "religious style zeal". I do not equate zeal with religion, I simply mean "raw enthusiasm".

John