'Stalin was a guy like we are, not only that he considered himself a revolutionary and lived like one, but he was a character in the truest sense of the word ... We have finally to let out this psychological wreckage ... it is our and my darkest chapter, I know or better to say I suspect it, because I am extremely afraid of certain things that are inside of me. Bartsch and Honka are extreme cases, but in some sense this is as personality inside of oneself ... then it easily developed into, yes, the thrill of punching, tending to be a sadistic pleasure.' Written by Fischer in the German journal 'autonomie' No. 5, 1977.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Fischer reflects on the dark psychological potential within humans, linking personal fears to historical violence.
- In plain terms
- Humans contain dark potentials that can lead to violence.
- What can you take from it?
- Acknowledge inner darkness to prevent external harm.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What drives human violence?
- How do you confront your darkness?
Another view
Generalizing human nature can be oversimplified.
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