THE SCHOOL FOR DICTATORS
35
ciples from Fascism's actual achievements and why should we not
adopt them as our program? Why should we not have this program
publicly discussed? We should not, of course, admit the masses to
our discussions, but only the more intelligent sort of people. Why
should we not show that our program is in harmony with experience
and reason?
THOMAS THE CYNIC
Have you really such a program?
MR.
w.
Yes. Why conceal it? It was worked out by a committee of
learned dons, presided over by Professor Pickup. It is a very long
program. To be perfectly frank, I have not yet finished it.
THOMAS THE CYNIC
Then don't finish it, Mr. W., unless you wish to ruin your career,
and don't allow it to be printed and distributed.
MR.
w.
That committee cost me a small fortune, Mr. Cynic. The pro–
gram is complete and paid for. Why shouldn't I have it printed?
THOMAS THE CYNIC
Because it would be a fatal blow to your movement, Mr. W.
Write off the expenses as donations to charity or funds misapplied
or something, but tear that program up. That's the only way of
cutting your losses. To
try
discussing or persuading would be mad–
ness. The last thing a Fascist leader must appeal to is the critical
faculty of his audience, for he would be its first victim. A Fascist
leader must inspire his own followers and the people with distrust,
hatred, and contempt for those who discuss. Everything a Fascist
leader says must be presented under the irresistible guise of the ob–
vious. "It
is
so because it is so, and it cannot be otherwise." All doubt
is
excluded, and there is nothing to discuss. Since you have com–
piled a
Breviary of Fascist Thought,
add this to it, professor. The
Nazi Wilhelm Stapel says in his book
Christentum und Nationalsozia–
lismus:
"Since National-Socialism is an
elemental
movement, it cannot
be
met with 'arguments.' Arguments would only be effective
if
the
movement had grown great through arguments." Fascism claims
to fulfill the same spiritual needs as religion, a new religion that re–
quires the greatest sacrifices from its proselytes. "Do not overlook
the religious features of our movement, which is characterized by the
highest moral qualities of man, by sacrifice, by devotion, by right–
eous indignation," the Nazi Feder declared in a speech in the Reich–
stag. "In turning the Jews and money-changers out of the Temple we
shall regard ourselves as the best followers of the Savior." Hadamow–
sky
stated in
Propaganda und nationale Macht:
"Political propa-
