A Secret State within a Nation-State: The George Circle and the Rise of National Socialism in Germany

CURA announces the fall 2025 colloquium schedule. This year-long conversation brings together an interdisciplinary community of scholars of culture, religion, and world affairs. Please register below for the session(s) you plan to attend. The October 17 workshop will feature a paper by Yidi Wu, PhD Candidate, Department of Religion, Boston University.

Please note that reading the paper in advance is required for attendance. CURA workshops are dedicated to focused, in depth feedback and discussion. A copy of the paper(s) will be sent to registered participants one week in advance of each session.

Abstract: This project aims to advance the study of myth in religious studies by examining the intersection of myth, philosophy, and politics, with a particular focus on the transformation of myth into political myth in Germany during the interwar period. The Hitler myth created the image of a monolithic and all-powerful totalitarian regime commanding mass obedience to the leader [Führer], which hinged upon the enthusiasm about Plato as the founder of an esoteric circle (the Academy) that the George Circle [George-Kreis] modeled after. Therefore, this paper intends to uncover the covert relationship between the George Circle and the Nazis, who misapprehended and misappropriated Plato for propaganda, which led to the later perception of Plato as a spokesperson for totalitarianism.