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Classics

The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt

In our ‘classics’ department, James Reynolds says we mustn’t forget Hannah Arendt’s warning.

“Totalitarian solutions may well survive the fall of totalitarian regimes in the form of strong temptations which will come up whenever it seems impossible to alleviate political, social, or economic misery in a manner worthy of man.” – Hannah Arendt

Hannah Arendt (1906-1975) was first and foremost a polemicist, driven by a faith in truth and honesty even when her conclusions may make us uncomfortable. Yet over seventy years since it was first published, The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951) still holds weight in our political climate, retaining its significance in its message of responsibility. Above all, we must remember our own role, however slight, in moving society forwards.

Placing Arendt

Hannah Arendt in 1933

Hannah Arendt was a practical philosopher.

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