Just a Few Random Totalitarian Thoughts Inspired by Europe

These recent trips to Europe have made me think a lot about my favorite subject; history. Europe offers endless experiences to indulge in history. It is after all the cradle of modernity, and has the most magnificent history from the Greeks to the Romans, the medieval fiefdoms, and the British Empire. I love any and all forms of history. I love a trip to the ancient city of Bath of the Roman Empire, just as much as I enjoy a good tour around the battlefields of Verdun. However, I enjoy contemporary history above all, which in regards to European history means 19th century onwards.

Since my DGPS trip, I have gone a weird research obsession with Nazi Germany. More specifically Adolph Hitler. I realize this is not something to admit proudly, and I do so only because my studies have all but taken over my life. I find myself immersed in Mein Kampf to truly understand Hitler’s reasons and thoughts, hungry for more information on the Goebbels family, and the inner most life of Eva Braun among other things.

I have across many books and many ideas and generalizations in my research about Adolph Hitler. One such book, which I picked up while studying the bible before my Hitler mania, talked about how even Hitler went to heaven. Is in heaven currently. And after all that reading, I do think that Hitler believed what he was doing was good, as seriously sad, sadistic, and messed up as that may sound. Also, I believe that seriously "misguided" souls like his serve as a reminder of what we are capable of. Though on a another level it has inspired true compassion we all have for humanity and the like.

I read Hitler’s writings and I understand what he says. I see his points and acknowledge the black and white words on the pages. But the generalizations are so biased and not backed up by ay such facts. How he got all of the Germans to follow his into the world’s worst war ever fought is completely behind my ability of understanding.

I watch the news and see Cuba, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia among others.

There are still many non-democracies but will the world see the rise of villainous tyrants again? What I mean are the authoritarian types, probably, our lovely Vladimer Putin for example, but what about near-gods who completely control the destiny of millions or even billions?

Will there be totalitarian giants in the 21st century? The immediate answer that comes to my mind is no. But I wonder if it is because the world is generally more stable than ever before? After all, WWI made the Russian revolution and Hitler possible. And dissolution of western and Japanese imperialism following WWII made Mao and third world revolutions possible. Will there be a great ideology or great struggle that could unite vast numbers of people desperate for change or a more hopeful future in a period of horrific turmoil--one that usually catapults individuals into the heights of power?