Power

“Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear of punishment.”

- -Mahatma Gandhi

Let me add to that another quote.

“Hatred is the most accessible and comprehensive of all the unifying agents. Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a god, but never without a belief in a devil.”

― Eric Hoffer

The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements is a book about mass movements focused on the rise of Hitler. Some of you will read it as an indictment of Trump. Others will read it as an indictment of the resistance. However, you read it, read it because it speaks to our times.

Our “leaders,” are following the blueprint of the Nazis fostering hatred of those we disagree with.

There is no discourse anymore or conversations that don’t end badly when people who disagree convene online.

Then we bring it back into our offices and our homes and poison our well with contempt.

We should not be surprised that when groups feel shut out and a match will be lit, the tinder will combust in the fires will rage. We saw that in the summer of 2020 and in January 2021.