Quote from today's reading

"There is no threat to others greater than the pursuit by rational means of an irrational goal--it is just this combination on the level of the individual personality which makes the psychopath so dangerous. Magnified to the nth degree as a pattern of state policy, it is dangerous beyond measure."

Totalitarianism, edited by Carl J. Friedrich (copyright 1954)

Hmm...does seeking to impose western-style democracy on the Middle East through force of arms count as pursuing 'irrational goals' by 'rational means?' Just wondering...