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In its pure form, fascism is the sum total of all irrational reactions of the average human character. To the narrow-minded sociologist who lacks the courage to recognize the enormous role played by the irrational in human history, the fascist race theory appears as nothing but an imperialistic interest or even a mere 'prejudice.' The violence and the ubiquity of these 'race prejudices' show their origin from the irrational part of the human character. The race theory is not a creation of fascism. No: fascism is a creation of race hatred and its politically organized expression. Correspondingly, there is a German, Italian, Spanish, Anglo-Saxon, Jewish and Arabian fascism.

Wilhelm Reich#19

PsychologyPoliticsHistoryHuman natureExtremismFascism

About this quote

What does it mean?
Fascism stems from the irrational parts of human nature, not just race theory, and appears in many cultural forms.
In plain terms
Fascism is driven by human irrationality and shows up in many societies.
What can you take from it?
Recognize irrational forces behind extremist ideologies.

Where it applies

  • analyzing political movements
  • studying historical fascism

Putting it to work

  • educate on irrational biases
  • promote critical thinking

Questions to consider

  • What irrational drives fuel current extremist groups?
  • How can societies mitigate these forces?

Another view

The claim oversimplifies complex socio-economic factors.

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