What is a person motivated by extreme or more than ordinary enthusiasm for a cause? What is a person with an extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal in respect of religion and or politics? We usually refer to them as ‘fanatics’. Winston Churchill defined them as “One who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject”. They are to be distinguished from ‘nerds’ who are generally thought of as single-minded and accomplished in scientific or other specific technical focus, and perhaps a bit socially awkward or distanced. A fanatic seeks to impose her/his point of view whereas the nerd will seek to avoid any imposition of their view or any confrontation with others.
On the whole I am rather fond of nerds. One is particularly grateful to find electricians, plumbers, craftspeople and builders who approach their work with nerdlike enthusiasm as opposed to fanaticism. They are always keen to find solutions to problems and noticeably tingle with enthusiasm when they have found a way through to a solution and eager to show and tell. On initial inspection of a situation, there is usually a slight intake of breath through the teeth, a shaking of the head, followed by “Who did that?” or similar admonition. There is a moment of contemplation and general inspection of the surrounding area after which they go into action. You merely have to supply the coffee or tea at appropriate moments and pause to listen to a brief, often incomprehensible, explanation of what is being done and how. You only have to nod sagely in agreement with a touch of admiring approval and leave them to it till the next appropriate moment for sustenance and additional explanations. You must listen with intent. Never be too demanding or ask very personal questions. They will reveal snippets over time and the conversation will become more friendly and you too may become a sounding board on useful advice towards more social interaction.
Do not recommend them to friends without laying the groundwork with them first. You may have told a friend about how great the particular nerd might be, but before passing them on you must also advise the nerd of the particular eccentricities of the friend you will be suggesting they might do some work for. It is important for both sides to have an understanding so as not to spook the possible relationship. The nerd must have trust in you and once that is established they are more willing to take on another client.
These people are generally reluctant to discuss finances to any degree. They have some idea of their fee and worth. Sometimes they may be a little overpriced, in which case one has to weigh up what one is willing to pay. Is it worth paying the extra or is it possible to find another equally nerdish craftsperson with lower fees? In any event, in most cases the single craftsperson charges much less, and even if they did not, it is on the whole usually worth paying as there are so few class acts around. The quality of the work will usually save you money in the long run in any event. If they are treated well they will perform well and indeed give that little bit extra.
Over the course of time you will discover a number of additional eccentricities which will only add colour to your relationship. Alas such people are rare. In general they love what they do and are always secretly surprised that people are willing to pay them to do it.
These are people who add value to the society that they tend to feel so awkward about. They find it difficult to fit in save when they are working. There is an innocence about them when it comes to simple social interaction. They only truly become animated when talking about what they do. They are on safe ground and so long as the interaction is kept on a simplistic level (apart from their expertise). They rarely discuss politics or the current world situation and its tribulations. They tend to want to safeguard their own conservative mode of living, and do not want to rock the boat. It is their way of surviving. Live and let live and noli me tangere.
As against that we have the great fanatics of the world who run roughshod over people including their nearest and dearest. They are so consumed with themselves and their obsessions that they are completely unaware of the damage they do. For these mega narcissists, for that is what some fanatics are or generally become, it is the ‘cause’. It is beyond survival. Anything preventing them from the infatuation with themselves is to be shoved aside and destroyed.
We have, unfortunately, a number of such who are more than willing to discuss their fixation and proffer solutions to problems without the slightest concern for humanity. The current background noise in the United States, still emanating from the likes of Trump. Kevin McCarthy, Taylor Greene, Boebert, Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and the list is seemingly endless. Never has the American landscape been so full of undisguised and unrepentant fanatics. There is a horror show taking centre stage from coast to coast as well as north to south.
It is as a result of this colossal display of ignorance and serious phobia that other such creatures feel enabled to behave as they do. The strength of the United States was its adherence to rational idealistic behaviour and the rule of law. All of that has been overthrown and so the rest of the world sees nothing to aspire to. Hence Putin feels perfectly safe to invade his neighbours. Lukashenko sees no problem keeping check on the Belarusian people with threats and fear of violence and death, whilst supporting Putin. There are many more examples.
The disgraceful rhetoric coming from the British Government on immigration laws and its shameful attempt to silence any critic who they perceive as a threat, is one. Note the despicable attempt to silence Gary Lineker by calling for him to be fired for a twitter post:
There is no huge influx. We take fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out or order?
Suella Braverman thinks these comments are disappointing. Her entire political performance to date is more than disappointing. Her idea of freedom of speech is indeed very like that of Putin, Lukashenko and any others who would seek to strangle dissent.
So what if he is employed by the bbc? If they even think of sacking him for speaking out against such barbarous legislation they have no place calling themselves an independent organisation. To pretend impartiality in the face of pitiless and ruthless legislation is indeed reverting to the propaganda machine that became German media in the 30s. So well said that man.
We should not let the fanatics run roughshod over the constitutions and democratic parliaments of the world. Representative government is not about unbalanced or obsessive behaviour. The arrogance of claiming such legislation is the will of the people is clearly outrageous. The BBC should be calling for the resignation of the entire current British Cabinet and bring about a general election, rather than reprimanding a presenter from exercising his human right of free speech outside of his employment. This government has no shame. It is for all of us to speak out against the fanatic.
How long must we put up with the mendacious outpourings of Boris Johnson, the hyper hypocrisy of Suella Braverman, the Duplicity of Rees-Mogg’s mob, and the feeble efforts of a Prime Minister who has no real spine for the job and permits all the crap around him to carry on regardless.
I meant to write a happy blog but I was overtaken by events.
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