When we kill in the name of making the world a better place or terrorize and deceive others in an attempt to remind them of the Creator, we may convince ourselves that we are doing the right thing. In reality, we are committing crimes. History has made certain terms infamous due to these very actions—extremism, fanaticism, and terrorism.

Extremism refers to holding extreme views on politics, religion, or ideology. It is often driven more by psychological defense mechanisms and anxiety about personal identity than by genuine belief. Where there is a belief system, there is always a risk of extremism, but at its core, extremism is rooted in fear rather than faith.

Fanaticism is the obsessive enthusiasm that arises from extreme beliefs. Unlike extremism, which is about rigid ideology, fanaticism is often tied to ritualistic aspects of belief rather than the core principles themselves. When extremism and fanaticism fuel each other, they can escalate into terrorism—the use of intentional violence in the name of a belief system. However, terrorism does not strengthen faith; it only reinforces the terrorist’s self-righteousness. The violence they commit is directed at others, often at great personal cost, justified by the vision of a grand future reward. It is crucial to distinguish this from a rational war fought in self-defense against unlawful aggression.

Life, Death, and the Extremes of Perception

Many of us strive for prosperity by ignoring thoughts of death. When we do confront mortality, however, our priorities often shift. Some argue that once we fully acknowledge death, the pursuit of prosperity no longer holds the same meaning.

Consider those who believe in the afterlife. Without unbiased observation, one might assume their faith would lead to a deep appreciation for life. Yet, paradoxically, some believers become detached from this world, viewing it as temporary and unimportant. For them, only the afterlife matters, and this life becomes dull, insignificant, or even a mere test to be endured. In extreme cases, this mindset drives individuals toward radical paths, seeking ultimate rewards in the afterlife while rationalizing present suffering and destruction.

On the other hand, there are those who see death as the absolute end. For them, life is to be maximized for immediate pleasure and material gain. If nothing exists beyond this world, then morality and restraint become secondary to gratification.

Both perspectives—one fixated solely on the afterlife and the other dismissing it entirely—create an imbalance. One group sacrifices the present for an uncertain future, making life difficult for themselves and others. The other prioritizes the present to the extent that morality becomes expendable.

The Need for Balance

We must adopt a balanced and rational perspective on both life and death. Neither is meaningless—whether it is a fleeting existence, the inevitable end of life, or the promise of an afterlife. The key to balance lies in how we perceive death. When we free ourselves from irrational fears or imbalanced views of mortality, we gain a clearer, more harmonious outlook on life itself.

Only through this balance can we live meaningfully—valuing the present while preparing for what may come after.