In a time marked by religious fervor and crusades, John Gabriel Stedman observed that people were driven by intense devotion and zeal, often leading them to engage in extreme behaviors motivated by faith. He then contrasts this with a present condition where people lack such religious fervor but exhibit similar erratic behavior stemming from the absence of it.
Stedman’s observation invites reflection on how societal norms change over time and how different forces can drive individuals toward extremes. Initially, religious zeal provided a framework for people to channel their passions and beliefs; without this guiding force, they might seek other means to fill that void. The quote suggests that while the nature of what drives people may shift—whether it is religion or something else—the intensity of human behavior remains constant. This implies that in times when religious fervor fades, people might substitute this with other forms of intense belief systems or ideologies, leading them down paths driven by similar zeal.
John Gabriel Stedman was an 18th-century Dutch soldier and writer who lived from 1744 to 1797. He is best known for his book "Narrative of a Five Years' Expedition against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam," which provides detailed accounts of his experiences during colonial times, including descriptions of slavery and rebellion. His insights often touch upon broader social and psychological themes, such as the quote mentioned here, reflecting on human nature and societal changes over time.
