“Everything for the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state”— Mussolini
These words encapsulate one of the most seductive and dangerous ideas of the 20th century: the idea of a totalitarian state that does not merely govern people, but becomes their destiny, their conscience, their very air and horizon.
Imagine a world in which the state ceases to be an instrument. It is no longer a “night watchman” guarding borders and order while citizens live their private lives. No. It transforms into a living, all-encompassing entity—an organism within which alone a human being can exist. Everything that has meaning, value, and a right to exist is born within it. Everything that tries to remain outside is declared empty, barren, hostile.
The individual? It gains dignity only when it dissolves into the greater whole. Its freedom is not freedom from the state, but freedom within it. Its happiness is service. Its creativity is only that part which contributes to the common symphony. Private life, love, doubt, the search for truth—all of this ceases to be the sacred space of the individual. It becomes accountable to the higher whole.
The space for dissent is gradually disappearing. What was considered a normal diversity of opinions yesterday may already be labeled “opposition” today. What was a private matter yesterday becomes a matter of national importance tomorrow. The boundaries between the public and the private are blurring. A thought that does not serve a purpose begins to be perceived as a disease. A feeling that does not fit into the general mood is seen as betrayal.
These words encapsulate one of the most seductive and dangerous ideas of the 20th century: the idea of a totalitarian state that does not merely govern people, but becomes their destiny, their conscience, their very air and horizon.
Imagine a world in which the state ceases to be an instrument. It is no longer a “night watchman” guarding borders and order while citizens live their private lives. No. It transforms into a living, all-encompassing entity—an organism within which alone a human being can exist. Everything that has meaning, value, and a right to exist is born within it. Everything that tries to remain outside is declared empty, barren, hostile.
The individual? It gains dignity only when it dissolves into the greater whole. Its freedom is not freedom from the state, but freedom within it. Its happiness is service. Its creativity is only that part which contributes to the common symphony. Private life, love, doubt, the search for truth—all of this ceases to be the sacred space of the individual. It becomes accountable to the higher whole.
The space for dissent is gradually disappearing. What was considered a normal diversity of opinions yesterday may already be labeled “opposition” today. What was a private matter yesterday becomes a matter of national importance tomorrow. The boundaries between the public and the private are blurring. A thought that does not serve a purpose begins to be perceived as a disease. A feeling that does not fit into the general mood is seen as betrayal.