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For a decade, the politics of the European dictators was unrivalled. In order to comprehend the essence of politics, one only has to remember that it was a Hitler who, for many years, was able to keep the world breathless. Hitler as a political genius was a magnificent unmasking of the essence of politics in general. With Hitler, politics reached the peak of its development. We know what were its fruits and what was the reaction of the world. In brief, I believe that the twentieth century, with its gigantic catastrophes, ushers in a new social era, an era free of politics. It remains to be seen what part politics will play in the eradication of the political emotional plague and what part the consciously organized functions of love, work and knowledge.

Wilhelm Reich#38

PoliticsPhilosophyHistoryLoveFutureHitler

About this quote

What does it mean?
Hitler exemplified the peak of politics, and after the catastrophes of the twentieth century, a new era may emerge that is free of politics, focusing on love, work, and knowledge.
In plain terms
Hitler showed politics at its extreme; perhaps humanity will move beyond politics toward love, work, and knowledge.
What can you take from it?
Consider alternatives to traditional political structures.

Where it applies

  • future studies
  • philosophical discourse
  • cultural critique

Putting it to work

  • explore non‑political governance models
  • prioritize collaborative projects

Questions to consider

  • Is a politics‑free society realistic?
  • What would replace political mechanisms?

Another view

Politics may be an unavoidable framework for collective decision‑making.

More from Wilhelm Reich

  1. Rulers and generals muster their troops. Magnates muster the sums of money which give them power. The fascist dictators muster the irrational human reactions w…

    Permalink to quote #37
  2. They call you 'Little Man', 'Common Man'; they say a new era has begun, the 'Era of the Common Man'. It isn't you who says so, Little Man. It is they, the Vice…

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. Under the influence of politicians, masses of people tend to ascribe the responsibility for wars to those who wield power at any given time. In World War I it …

    Permalink to quote #36

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