Right-wing extremism is all about patience. That is, until it

Hear, O children of vigilance and memory, the words of Steven Weber, who warned with clarity: “Right-wing extremism is all about patience. That is, until it makes its move, and then it is sudden and explosive.” These words are not spoken in jest nor exaggeration, but in solemn recognition of a dangerous rhythm of history. For extremism, like a serpent, often lies coiled and still, biding its time in silence, until the moment arrives to strike with fury. To ignore its patience is folly; to dismiss its suddenness is peril.

Mark well the nature of this patience. It is not the patience of the farmer, who waiteth for the harvest with hope, nor the patience of the teacher, who endureth the slow growth of the student. It is the patience of hidden fire beneath the earth, gathering pressure until the mountain explodes. It is the patience of shadows, whispering and plotting, waiting until the world is distracted or weak. When the move comes, it is not gentle, but explosive, shattering peace and stability.

Consider the tale of the Weimar Republic in Germany. In the years after the Great War, extremism lay in the margins, dismissed by many as insignificant. The Nazis waited, building slowly, spreading their poison with calculated patience, biding their time in meetings and rallies. Then, when crisis and despair weakened the nation, they struck suddenly. In a few short years, they transformed Germany into a furnace of destruction, plunging the world into war. Here is Weber’s truth made flesh: extremism hides in stillness, then erupts in violence.

So too in other lands and other times. Extremist movements cloak themselves in ordinary clothing, speaking quietly at first, appealing to grievances, planting seeds in the hearts of the discontent. They gather strength in secret until the moment of weakness arrives in society. And then—swiftly, explosively—they rise to overthrow what has been built in peace. The story repeats across centuries, for the human heart is ever vulnerable to the siren call of hatred and fear.

Yet, O seekers, despair not. For forewarned is forearmed. If extremism is patient, then those who defend justice and freedom must be vigilant. If extremism waits for its moment, then the defenders of peace must be tireless, watching, preparing, educating, and resisting. The danger lies not only in the explosion, but in the long years of neglect when the serpent coils unseen. A society that sleeps during those years awakens only when it is too late.

The lesson is plain: do not dismiss small signs of hatred, prejudice, or violent speech. For these are the roots of extremism. Address them early, speak truth against them, expose their falsehoods before they grow strong. Teach the young to discern fear-mongering, and strengthen communities so they are not vulnerable when extremism seeks to exploit despair. In this way, the explosion may never come, for the fire will be extinguished while still small.

Practical is this counsel: listen carefully to the voices around you. When you hear bitterness turned into blame, when you see division fanned into hatred, do not turn away. Challenge it with words of truth, answer it with patience of a different kind—the patience of builders, not destroyers. Support leaders who seek unity, not those who weaponize division. And above all, remember that peace is not kept by chance, but by constant watchfulness.

Thus remember Steven Weber’s words: “Right-wing extremism is all about patience… until it makes its move, and then it is sudden and explosive.” This is not only a warning for one nation, but for all peoples in all times. Let his words be a beacon: stay vigilant, guard against hatred, and live with courage. For though extremism may wait in shadow, the light of truth, if tended faithfully, will always outlast the flame of destruction.