Hitler's dictatorship differed in one fundamental point from all its predecessors in history. His was the first dictatorship in the present period of technical development, a dictatorship which made complete use of all technical means for the domination of its own country. Through technical means like the radio and the loud-speaker, eighty million people were deprived of independent thought. It was thereby possible to subject them to the will of one man.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker notes that modern dictatorships use technology to control thought more completely than past regimes.
- In plain terms
- Modern dictatorships use technology to control what people think.
- What can you take from it?
- Technology can amplify control over minds.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does media affect your thinking?
- What tools control societies?
Another view
It assumes technology always diminishes independent thought.
More from Albert Speer
Twenty years. Well...that's fair enough. They couldn't have given me a lighter sentence, considering the facts, and I can't complain. I said the sentences must…
Permalink to quote #2 In the burning and devastated cities, we daily experienced the direct impact of war. It spurred us to do our utmost...the bombing and the hardships that result…
Permalink to quote #4 I felt this war coming. I tried unsuccessfully to assassinate Hitler in 1945. I am not concerned with jurisdiction of the court as Hess or others are. History …
Permalink to quote #1
Related quotes
Now I lay me down to sleep Knowing that your lenses peep Now I eat my daily bread And into the tape spool I'll be fed
Andy PartridgeAndy Partridge quote #3 ...we need to recognise that the entire information sector-from music to newspapers to telecoms to internet to semiconductors and anything in-between-has becom…
Eli NoamEli Noam quote #1 If those in charge of our society - politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television - can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in thei…
Howard ZinnHoward Zinn quote #1