“Actually that idea’s been around since at least the time of Plato and Aristotle. The idea that “reason is, and ought only to be, the slave of the passions” didn’t really take off till the 18th century.”

I’m not talking about what is supposed to be but rather what is. Alan F has fingered the problem with the French Enlightenment. Anyone who is interested in the scientific explanation for human behavior needs to begin with Darwin’s book “The Descent of Man”. I do admit that I am puzzled by Alan F’s premise that a theory which is based on false premises is “a leap forward.”

However, regarding this statement, ” The most wicked people are often the most intelligent who use their reason very effectively to enable them to outwit and destroy anyone who opposes their wicked plots.” I think intelligent is perhaps being conflated with cunning or clever.

I’ve met con men who are clever and cunning but I think that if they were really intelligent, they wouldn’t fall into those traps to begin with.
Hence the old saying when someone gets caught up in their own lies and subterfuge, “too clever by half.”

But I do fully agree with you that the left is fully aware of just what the islamists are, but view them as unlikely allies for the time being. All the while arrogantly feeling that they (the left) are superior, smarter if you will, and they will dispense with them when the time comes.

I think they would be in for quite a shock as Neo has quoted Nazar Afisi and her husband being when the islamists in Iran eliminated the leftists after deposing the Shah.

Actually that idea’s been around since at least the time of Plato and Aristotle. The idea that “reason is, and ought only to be, the slave of the passions” didn’t really take off till the 18th century.

By their fruits you shall know them …