"Only the mob and the elite can be attracted by the momentum of totalitarianism itself. The masses have to be won by propaganda"
- Hannah Arendt
About this Quote
This quote by Hannah Arendt recommends that totalitarianism is appealing to two unique groups of individuals: the mob and the elite. The mob is usually made up of individuals who are easily swayed by emotion and want to follow a leader without question. The elite, on the other hand, are those who have the power and resources to take advantage of a totalitarian routine. Nevertheless, in order for a totalitarian routine to be successful, it needs to also win the assistance of the masses. This can just be achieved through propaganda, which is used to manipulate the public into believing that the program is useful and required. In this method, totalitarianism can be sustained by both the mob and the elite, along with the masses who have been convinced by propaganda.
About the Author