1969 Quote by Wilhelm Reich
““Under the influence of politicians, masses of people tend to ascribe the responsibility for wars to those who wield power at any given time. In World War I it was the munitions industrialists; in World War II it was the psychopathic generals who were said to be guilty. This is passing the buck. The responsibility for wars falls solely upon the shoulders of these same masses of people, for they have all the necessary means to avert war in their own hands. In part by their apathy, in part by their passivity, and in part actively, these same masses of people make possible the catastrophes under which they themselves suffer more than anyone else. To stress this guilt on the part of masses of people, to hold them solely responsible, means to take them seriously. On the other hand, to commiserate masses of people as victims, means to treat them as small, helpless children. The former is the attitude held by the genuine freedom-fighters; the latter the attitude held by the power-thirsty politicians.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mass Psychology of Fascism, Wilhelm Reich, 1933
War responsibility is often blamed on leaders, but the populace holds the power to prevent conflict through action or apathy.
In simple terms: People can stop wars, but they often stay passive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize collective power and act against passivity.
Themes
responsibility
politics
collective action
war
apathy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- voting
- peace activism
- community organizing
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
mass psychology
political theory
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can individuals overcome apathy?
- What structures enable collective action?
A Different Perspective
Masses may lack resources or knowledge to effect change.
![“I had recently had the impression they were changing - not so much by becoming less pro-Pakistan as by becoming less anti-India. I was wrong. My visit to [Richard] Nixon did anything but avert the war.” quote by Indira Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/787/indira-gandhi-1113_avert_i-had-recently-had-the-impression-they-w_1016304.jpg)
