“History Does Not Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes”* 0
At the Washington Monthly, Robert J. Shapiro reads the writings of Hannah Arendt and hears a rhyme. A snippet:
(snip)
Her 1951 analysis of the movements that propelled the rise of the Nazi and Stalinist regimes begins with the insight that their followers were not a typical interest group seeking benefits or rights. Instead, they’re individuals who feel that recent disruptive societal changes cost them their status and are brought together by a charismatic leader who exploits their shared sense of injury.
The leader of these movements offers lies to explain why his followers lost their place, claims he can restore it given enough power, and, equally important, manipulates his followers’ anger to support violence committed at his behest.
I commend the entire article to your attention.
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*Mark Twain.
