Antisemitism Quote by Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn
““As a form of neurosis, race-conscious nationalism almost always ignores logic and knowledge: In the East European civil wars between 1918 and 1920 Jews were slaughtered for a variety of contradictory reasons, as capitalists and as communists, as friends of the Ukrainians, as Polonophiles, as pro-German-just as it suited the circumstances.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on nationalism, 1970s
The quote warns that race‑based nationalism is irrational, leading to contradictory violence against Jews during Eastern European conflicts.
In simple terms: Nationalist fervor blinds logic, causing chaotic persecution.
Key Takeaway
Question against, avoid blind nationalism.
Themes
nationalism
racism
history
violence
Mood
critical
somber
Type
political
historical.
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- education curricula
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
irrationality
identity politics
mass hysteria
Questions to Reflect On
- How does nationalism distort moral judgment?
- What safeguards prevent irrational group hatred?
A Different Perspective
Historical context shows such irrationality can be resisted through critical thinking.
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