Quote by Christopher Hitchens

The true essence of a dictatorship is in fact not its regularity but its unpredictability and caprice; those who live under it must never be able to relax, must never be quite sure if they have followed the rules correctly or not.

The true essence of a dictatorship is in fact not its regula

Summary

This quote suggests that the defining characteristic of a dictatorship lies not in its systematic oppression, but rather in its tendency to be arbitrary and unpredictable. In a dictatorship, people cannot afford to feel at ease or confident in their actions, as they are always unsure whether they have complied with the regime's ever-changing rules. This constant anxiety and unease create a state of perpetual control and fear, ensuring that those under the dictatorship remain submissive and compliant.

Topics

Dictatorship Rules Fascism Caprice

By Christopher Hitchens

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