Experience has shown that the mass-armies of 'democratic' states fight with greater zeal when they are animated by hatred and supported by a hate-crazed populace that fancies it is fighting a holy war. Lies have therefore become military equipment, a kind of mental logistics; but it is the essence of such propaganda that its spuriousness is known only to the persons who manufacture it. The model of such operations is the famous lie-factory managed by Lord Bryce during the First World War, in which a corps of expert technicians forged photographs, while expert liars, including Arnold Toynbee, concocted stories, of 'atrocities,' to inspire the emotionally overwrought British with a fanatical hatred of the incredibly bestial Germans and with a noble Christian ardor to kill them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mass armies fight better with hate and lies, which serve as military logistics known only to producers.
- In plain terms
- Propaganda and hate are used to make armies fight better and are secret to creators.
- What can you take from it?
- Propaganda is a tool of war that manipulates public emotion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How is war propaganda made?
- Is deception necessary in war?
Another view
Attributing war outcomes primarily to lies ignores other strategic factors.
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