Totalitarianism begins in contempt for what you have
The second step is the notion:
“Things must change no matter how, Anything is better than what we have”
Totalitarian rulers organize this kind of mass sentiment, and by organizing it articulate it, and by articulating it make the people somehow love it
They were told before, thou shalt not kill; and they didn’t kill
Now they are told, thou shalt kill; and although they think it’s very difficult to kill, they do it because it's now part of the code of behavior
They learn whom to kill and how to kill and how to do it together
This is the much talked about Gleichschaltung — the coordination process
You are coordinated not with the powers that be, but with your neighbor — coordinated with the majority
But instead of communicating with the other you are now glued to him
And you feel of course marvelous
Totalitarianism appeals to the very dangerous emotional needs of people who live in complete isolation
And in fear of one another..
~ Hannah Arendt ~ (1906-1975)
German-American political theorist, escaped Nazi Germany
Source.. 'Hannah Arendt: From an Interview' Comments made in 1974 during an interview with the French writer Roger Errera and published in October 26, 1978 issue of The New York Review of Books Interview..
Replies to quote:
To understand the present, one must study the past. Look to the Weimer Republic to understand what is happening in the 21st century.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand"
Mark 3:25
~ Lucille A. Petillo, Ocean, NJ ~
Explains the right-left paradigm perfectly, and the de facto fascism that has taken over the US political system. It also explains terrorism and the motivations of lone wolf suicide bombers. Mass delusion is a requirement of totalitarianism -- and the ruling class has been perfecting their craft for millennia. Chances are YOU have already been conditioned to accept doing wrong for the 'common good' as OK -- it isn't! Never was, never will be.
~ E Archer, NYC ~
I am now quite sure that 'Tragedy and Hope' was suppressed although
I do not know why or by whom. ~ C.Quigley ~