James O'donoghue asked Lawrence Wright:

Much of your work explores the perils of religious extremism. Do you notice similar characteristics within secular movements, say political factions in the US today? If so, has any group you’ve studied ever found its way back to reason after it was abandoned?

Lawrence Wright hmm, complicated question. Yes, there are parallels between religious and political movements, and there are extremists in both. I don't know of an entire group that suddenly saw the light, although our own society in my lifetime has moved away from racism and homophobia. Within each extremist group, there are usually defectors. Many joined because of the sense of community such groups provide. It's a lonely and usually solitary trip out.

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