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The Origins of Totalitarianism

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The Origins of Totalitarianism

By: Hannah Arendt
Narrated by: Nadia May
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About this listen

A recognized classic and definitive account of its subject, The Origins of Totalitarianism traces the emergence of modern racism as an "ideological weapon for imperialism," begining with the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe in the nineteenth century and continuing through the New Imperialism period from 1884 to World War I.

In her analysis of the institutions and operations of totalitarian movements, Arendt focuses on the two genuine forms of totalitarian government in the twentieth century: Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, which she adroitly recognizes as two sides of the same coin rather than opposing philosophies of the Right and Left. From this vantage point, she discusses the transformation of classes into masses, the role of propaganda, and the use of terror essential to this form of government. In her brilliant concluding chapter, she discusses the nature of individual isolation and loneliness as preconditions for total domination.

©1966 Hannah Arendt (P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Movements Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government World Socialism Imperialism Russia Soviet Union Capitalism War Middle East Middle Ages Military Social justice Holocaust Africa Latin America Interwar Period Liberalism
All stars
Most relevant  
I never thought that I'll be interested in German's history, however it's brilliant and gripping and helped me to understand what's going on in our current events... a perfect cookbook many political systems use to their advantage. Highly recommended.

True History

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Arendt had a brilliant mind that drew connections far and wide. In this book she manages to hold so many strands of thought together and shed light on the complicated contradictory crazy things that humans do. This book is very much worth reading today as it is so relevant for the way the world is turning

Hard but worth the effort

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Couldn't put this down, the breadth of her mind and work is incredible. Spanning centuries and continents of history, she pieces together the nature of totalitarianism and explains their structural fascinations. Have never read anyone like her

Stunning, indepth political history and diagnostic

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A guide book to understanding the devolution of Christian democracy around the globe

But what to do about it?

Beautifully narrated - Nadia May had me (so easily) suspend disbelief to convince myself that I was listening to Hannah Arendt herself!

Essential reading (listening)

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If you want to start to understand today's world you first must go back to the classics & this is one of them.
Half way through the book I was saying to myself, wow! that's exactly what's happening today.
Hanna describes how the population slowly becomes immune to the brutality.
This is a very academic book & very detailed, so it doesn't flow like a novel.
But a novel it ain't!.
Hanna describes well how the Jews became the kicking ball of all despotic Governments, & not just the Jews.
Still relevant today, after all these years.
History repeats....But it doesn't have to
💤😴🪓⚰️🕳️

Another must read

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