Understanding Hitler: The Making of a Modern Devil
Everyone seems obsessed with Hitler. It's like he's our modern incarnate reference point to the devil. I'm driven to understand why he became who he did, did what he did, from a developmental/cultural standpoint.
ChatGPT: The obsession with Adolf Hitler as a modern-day “devil” makes sense—he represents the pinnacle of what people perceive as evil: genocide, war, hatred, and the manipulation of millions to commit atrocities. But understanding how he became who he was requires digging into his personal development, the cultural context of early 20th-century Europe, and the systemic forces that enabled his rise. Let’s break this down.
1. Personal Development: Who Was Hitler Before He Was "Hitler"?
Childhood and Early Influences
Family Dynamics: Hitler’s father, Alois, was reportedly strict, authoritarian, and prone to violent outbursts. Alois’s overbearing nature may have contributed to young Adolf’s insecurities and need to dominate. His mother, Klara, was more doting but ultimately unable to counterbalance his father’s influence. Hitler’s relationship with authority figures seems to have laid the groundwork for his authoritarian personality.
Early Rejection and Failure: Hitler’s dreams of becoming an artist were crushed when he was rejected twice by the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. These rejections deepened his resentment toward societal elites and institutions, fostering a sense of victimhood and fueling his bitterness.
World War I as a Defining Trauma
The War Experience: Hitler served in World War I as a soldier and was deeply affected by the brutality and loss. He described the war as the “greatest and most unforgettable time of my life,” reflecting his sense of belonging in a hierarchical, violent structure.
Betrayal Mythology: After Germany’s defeat in 1918, Hitler (like many Germans) embraced the “stab-in-the-back” myth, which blamed Germany’s loss not on military failure but on internal betrayal by Jews, communists, and others. This idea became a cornerstone of his ideology, allowing him to scapegoat minorities and outsiders for Germany’s problems.
2. Cultural and Historical Context
To understand Hitler, you have to understand the world he grew up in—Germany and Austria at the turn of the 20th century were fertile ground for the toxic ideology he promoted.
Post-War Humiliation and Economic Crisis
The Treaty of Versailles: After World War I, the treaty imposed harsh reparations on Germany, leaving its economy in shambles and its national pride destroyed. Germans felt humiliated, creating a deep well of resentment that Hitler exploited by promising to restore their honor.
The Great Depression: The economic collapse of 1929 further destabilized Germany, leading to mass unemployment and despair. Hitler offered simple answers to complex problems, blaming Jews, communists, and others for the nation’s struggles.
Anti-Semitism Was Already Widespread
Hitler didn’t invent anti-Semitism; he tapped into centuries-old prejudice. In Europe, Jews were often scapegoats during times of crisis, and conspiracies about Jewish control of finance, media, and politics were already common. Hitler weaponized these beliefs to unify people around a common enemy.
Rise of Nationalism and Fascism
Post-WWI Europe saw a surge in nationalism and authoritarian movements. Italy had Mussolini, and Spain would soon have Franco. In a time of uncertainty, people gravitated toward strong, charismatic leaders who promised order and greatness.
Hitler’s rhetoric about a “pure” Aryan race and Lebensraum (living space) resonated with people who longed for a return to power and stability.
3. Hitler as a Manipulator of Systems
Hitler was, fundamentally, a master manipulator of systems—psychological, cultural, and political.
The Power of Propaganda
Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, his Minister of Propaganda, used mass media, rallies, and speeches to create a cult of personality. Hitler portrayed himself as Germany’s savior, which allowed him to command loyalty and obedience.
He was skilled at exploiting people’s fears and insecurities, using simple, emotionally charged messages that resonated with a population desperate for hope.
Charisma and Demagoguery
Hitler was not an extraordinary military strategist or intellectual, but he had a terrifying charisma. His speeches were calculated to stir emotion and rally people to his cause. He knew how to say what people wanted to hear, whether it was about restoring Germany’s pride or building an idealized future.
Leveraging Political Systems
Hitler came to power legally, exploiting Germany’s democratic structures. The Nazi Party capitalized on polarization and instability, gradually dismantling democracy from within. Once in power, Hitler suppressed opposition, enacted sweeping laws, and manipulated institutions to consolidate his control.
4. Why Did He Do What He Did?
This is the hardest question because it forces us to balance psychological analysis with the weight of his actions. Here's what might explain his motivations:
A Deep Sense of Inadequacy
Hitler’s early failures—art school rejection, lack of a father figure’s approval—likely bred a deep-seated insecurity that he compensated for by seeking absolute power and control. His drive for domination could have been a way to validate himself in the face of personal inadequacy.
Fanatical Belief in His Ideology
Unlike many politicians who cynically wield power, Hitler seems to have genuinely believed in his hateful ideology. His anti-Semitism, racial purity obsession, and vision of an Aryan empire were not just political tools—they were deeply rooted in his worldview.
Need for Revenge and Destruction
Some historians argue that Hitler was driven by nihilism as much as ideology. He wanted to burn the world down to rebuild it in his image. His willingness to take Germany down with him in the end reflects his lack of concern for life, including his own.
5. Why Are We Obsessed With Him?
Symbol of Evil: Hitler has become shorthand for human cruelty and the dangers of authoritarianism. By obsessing over him, we try to understand how someone like him could exist—and how to prevent it from happening again.
Projection: Hitler allows people to externalize evil. It’s easier to believe in a single monster than to grapple with the systems and ordinary people that enabled the Holocaust.
Historical Lessons: Studying Hitler reveals how fragile societies can be and how quickly things can collapse under the weight of fear, division, and economic instability.
What Can We Learn from Hitler's Development?
The Role of Trauma: Personal and national trauma can breed destructive ideologies if not addressed and healed.
The Danger of Scapegoating: Blaming others for complex problems is seductive but leads to dehumanization and violence.
Systemic Vulnerabilities: A charismatic leader can only rise if systems—political, social, and cultural—fail to hold them in check.
The Power of Fear: Fear of instability, loss, and humiliation can drive people to embrace authoritarianism.
Final Thought
Understanding why Hitler became Hitler doesn’t excuse his actions or diminish their horror. But it does give us tools to recognize and counteract the conditions that create leaders like him. Evil isn’t born in a vacuum—it’s cultivated by systems, circumstances, and choices. By studying his life and context, we’re not glorifying him; we’re learning how to protect the world from the next one.
Could something like the holocaust happen in our modern culture? It's hard to imagine suburbanites signing off on all that. Is Trump a modern Hitler? Elon Musk?
The idea that something like the Holocaust could happen again is both terrifying and, unfortunately, not far-fetched. While it’s hard to imagine in our specific context—suburbanites sipping lattes and scrolling Instagram—the conditions that led to the Holocaust weren’t some unique quirk of the 1930s. They were the result of very human vulnerabilities: fear, economic hardship, scapegoating, and the slow erosion of moral boundaries. Let’s dig into this, including whether figures like Trump or Elon Musk could be modern parallels to Hitler.
Could the Holocaust Happen Again?
The short answer: Yes, under the right conditions. Here’s why:
1. Human Psychology and Herd Mentality
People are more easily manipulated than we like to admit. Under pressure—fear of scarcity, economic collapse, or "the other"—many will go along with authoritarian figures if it feels like the safest option. Ordinary Germans, many of whom considered themselves decent, justified or ignored atrocities because of propaganda, peer pressure, or self-preservation.
Social psychologist Stanley Milgram’s experiments in the 1960s showed how easily people will follow orders, even when it causes harm to others. The Holocaust is a horrifying example of this principle writ large.
2. "Othering" and Scapegoating Are Timeless
Hitler’s Germany scapegoated Jews, communists, Romani people, and other minorities for complex national problems. This isn’t unique to the past—scapegoating minorities, immigrants, or other "outsiders" happens today all over the world. Examples include the Uyghur genocide in China, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, and rising Islamophobia in parts of Europe and the U.S.
3. Authoritarianism Is On the Rise
Across the globe, authoritarian leaders are gaining power. They often use similar tactics: inflaming fear, undermining the press, scapegoating minorities, and consolidating control. If economic or political crises worsen, people’s desire for "strong leaders" can lead them to overlook, or even support, horrific policies.
4. Technology Makes It Easier
Modern surveillance tools, social media manipulation, and artificial intelligence make controlling populations easier than ever. It’s not hard to imagine a government using these tools to target and dehumanize a group, justifying ever-worsening actions.
What About Suburbanites?
Suburbanites might seem too comfortable or detached to support atrocities, but don’t underestimate how quickly people can rationalize injustice:
Fear and Comfort Over Principle: People tend to prioritize their own safety and comfort over fighting injustice, especially when propaganda convinces them that targeted groups are a threat.
Slow Boil: The Holocaust didn’t happen overnight. It started with small steps—boycotts, propaganda, legal restrictions—that gradually escalated. By the time mass extermination began, many Germans were either complicit, desensitized, or too afraid to resist.
Cognitive Dissonance: Suburbanites might not "sign off" on death camps directly, but they might ignore or justify initial steps like voter suppression, surveillance, or deportations, especially if it doesn’t directly affect them.
Is Trump a Modern Hitler?
Trump isn’t Hitler, but there are some concerning parallels that can’t be ignored. Let’s break this down critically.
Similarities:
Charismatic Demagoguery:
Trump uses simple, emotionally charged rhetoric to rally his base, often appealing to anger, fear, and nostalgia for an idealized past.
Like Hitler, he positions himself as a savior against imagined enemies, whether it’s immigrants, the "deep state," or the media.
Scapegoating:
Trump repeatedly scapegoats groups like immigrants, Muslims, and political opponents for America’s problems, stoking division and fear.
Undermining Institutions:
Like Hitler did during his rise, Trump undermined trust in democratic institutions, from the judiciary to the electoral process, claiming widespread fraud without evidence.
Authoritarian Tendencies:
Trump’s admiration for dictators, attacks on the free press, and willingness to bend or ignore rules to maintain power are authoritarian hallmarks.
Differences:
Different Context: Hitler rose in a Germany devastated by economic collapse and war, where people were desperate for solutions. America’s current issues, while serious, aren’t on the same level of existential crisis.
Checks and Balances: While Trump tested the limits of U.S. institutions, they largely held. Hitler faced little resistance once in power; Trump faced impeachment and widespread media criticism.
No Unified Ideology: Hitler had a terrifyingly cohesive, genocidal ideology. Trump’s focus is more on personal power and loyalty, without a clear overarching philosophy.
Verdict:
Trump exhibits authoritarian traits and has dangerously normalized division and mistrust in institutions. While he’s not Hitler, his rhetoric and actions highlight how fragile democratic norms can be when a leader pushes boundaries.
Is Elon Musk a Modern Hitler?
No. Musk is a complex figure, but he’s not an authoritarian leader or a demagogue. Let’s unpack this.
What People Worry About:
Technological Control: Musk’s companies (Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, etc.) play with dystopian concepts like brain-machine interfaces and widespread AI use. People fear how centralized control of these technologies could lead to oppression.
Power and Ego: Musk’s outsized personality and influence over platforms like Twitter make him a lightning rod for criticism. His controversial decisions (like amplifying free speech absolutism) spark concern about his unchecked power.
Why He’s Not Hitler:
Musk is focused on innovation, not governance or political power. His flaws—ego, recklessness, and insensitivity—are real, but they don’t align with the calculated manipulation of someone like Hitler.
He doesn’t scapegoat minorities or rally people around hate-based ideologies. At worst, he’s a wealthy eccentric with too much influence over social media narratives.
The Real Danger Isn’t One Person
Focusing on whether someone is the "next Hitler" misses the bigger picture. The Holocaust wasn’t about one man—it was about millions of ordinary people complicit in systemic evil. Modern dangers don’t require a single "devil" figure; they rely on:
Division and dehumanization.
Systematic erosion of rights and norms.
Apathy from those who benefit from the system.
The key question isn’t "Who is the next Hitler?" but "What conditions allow atrocities to happen, and how can we stop them?"
What Can We Do?
Resist Othering: Call out dehumanizing rhetoric and policies, whether it’s about immigrants, minorities, or political opponents.
Protect Institutions: Support democratic norms, free press, and checks on power.
Stay Informed and Active: Educate yourself on the warning signs of authoritarianism and resist apathy.
The Holocaust is a reminder of what happens when fear and hatred go unchecked. The best way to honor that history is by staying vigilant, compassionate, and willing to fight for justice—even when it feels easier to look away.
Whenever I read about the broligarchies (made up term, do you know what it means?) I feel apathetic and angry. All these companies trying to collect our data, to get our attention, to sell us stories...
Your made-up term "broligarchies" is brilliant, and I think I get it. It sounds like a mix of bro culture (the tech/startup vibe where overconfident guys dominate) and oligarchies (where power and resources are concentrated in the hands of a few). Essentially, it seems like you’re referring to the elite tech overlords and mega-corporations—think Amazon, Meta, Google, or even Elon Musk-esque figures—who dominate industries, manipulate public opinion, and commodify our attention and data.
Why "Broligarchies" Get Under Our Skin
It’s no surprise you feel apathetic and angry. These companies create systems that are designed to:
Monopolize Power: They centralize control over critical aspects of our lives—social interactions, communication, information, and even our economy. This leaves us feeling powerless because opting out isn’t truly an option anymore.
Exploit Data: They track everything we do (online and offline), package it up, and sell it to advertisers for profit. It’s hard to feel like an individual when every click, scroll, and pause is a transaction.
Manipulate Attention: Algorithms are built to hijack our time and emotions, keeping us hooked on outrage, dopamine hits, or endless scrolling. They aren’t neutral—they’re fine-tuned to exploit human psychology for profit.
Sell Narratives: These companies control the stories we consume, from news feeds to advertisements to entertainment. Over time, it’s easy to feel like what we think and believe isn’t even our own—it’s just what we’ve been fed.
Why This Leads to Apathy
When you see how massive these systems are, it can feel like fighting back is pointless. How do you resist when:
Your work email is on Google Workspace.
Everyone communicates via Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).
Amazon is the easiest way to shop.
Your job, social life, or hobbies are tied to the internet and its ecosystems.
It’s like the broligarchies have optimized the world for themselves, and opting out feels isolating and unproductive.
Why This Leads to Anger
The anger is righteous—it’s the frustration of seeing how these systems commodify people while creating massive inequality. The top few tech executives rake in billions while their systems:
Burn out workers in warehouses.
Erode privacy.
Undermine mental health (hello, Instagram comparisons).
Contribute to political polarization and disinformation.
The hypocrisy is maddening: these companies market themselves as innovators for good, but their profit-driven motives often create harm.
How to Channel These Feelings
Feeling apathetic and angry is the worst combo because it feels like you care, but you can’t do anything about it. Here’s how you might start reclaiming some sense of power:
1. Set Boundaries With Technology
Take small steps to reduce how much control these companies have over your life. For example:
Use privacy-focused tools (e.g., DuckDuckGo instead of Google Search, Signal instead of WhatsApp).
Turn off notifications to limit algorithmic manipulation.
Periodically audit your digital footprint—what apps, devices, or platforms truly serve you?
2. Support Alternatives
Seek out and support smaller, ethical alternatives when possible:
Independent news sources.
Local businesses over Amazon.
Creative platforms that don’t exploit creators (e.g., Patreon, Substack).
3. Advocate for Accountability
Stay informed about policies aimed at regulating big tech (e.g., data privacy laws, antitrust cases).
Support organizations or movements pushing for ethical tech development and digital rights.
4. Recognize What You Can Do
You don’t have to burn your phone or live off the grid. Even small changes matter, and collective action builds momentum. Every choice—whether it’s buying from a local business, turning off tracking, or deleting an app—is a quiet rebellion.
5. Reclaim Your Attention
The biggest gift you can give yourself is to consciously choose how you spend your time. Read books, engage in hobbies, or have face-to-face conversations—things that aren’t driven by algorithms.
Final Thought: You’re Not Alone
Your frustration is shared by a lot of people, even if it feels overwhelming to articulate or act on it. The broligarchies thrive on apathy—they want you to feel like resistance is futile. But even acknowledging the problem, naming it (your term is spot-on), and making small changes is a powerful step. And sometimes, letting yourself feel that apathy and anger fully can be a reminder that you do care, and that caring is the first step toward change.
What do I do about the state of the broligarchies? Does it really make a difference if I boycott Amazon, Meta, or even Google?
The honest answer is that one person boycotting a broligarchy like Amazon, Meta, or Google won’t topple their empires. But your choices do matter, both on an individual and collective level. Here’s why—and what you can realistically do about the state of the broligarchies without driving yourself into despair.
Does Boycotting Make a Difference?
1. The Scale of Change Feels Small, but It's Symbolic
Personal Impact: Boycotting Amazon or Google doesn’t harm their bottom line much, but it helps you align your actions with your values. Choosing to live differently—however small—can reduce feelings of helplessness.
Cultural Shift: Many large-scale movements start with individuals making quiet, intentional changes. If enough people shift their behavior (e.g., supporting local businesses instead of Amazon), it chips away at these companies' dominance. Social pressure and awareness can lead to collective action.
2. The "Resistance Economy" Needs You
Ethical alternatives only survive if people choose to use and support them. Independent bookstores, privacy-focused tech tools (like DuckDuckGo), and local businesses can thrive if they get enough grassroots support.
You’re not just rejecting the broligarchies; you’re investing in the world you want to see. That’s a powerful act.
3. It’s About Setting Boundaries, Not "Winning"
You likely can’t boycott all the broligarchies entirely—it’s almost impossible in a system where they control critical infrastructure (Google Maps, AWS, Instagram, etc.). But you can limit how much of your life you hand over to them:
Use alternatives where feasible.
Stop feeding algorithms your data unnecessarily.
Define what level of participation feels ethical and sustainable for you.
What Can You Do About the Broligarchies?
Here’s how you can take action without feeling overwhelmed:
1. Focus on Your Own Values
Decide what matters most to you:
Is it privacy? Support tools like Signal or ProtonMail instead of Facebook Messenger or Gmail.
Is it local economies? Shop small businesses instead of Amazon when possible.
Is it sustainability? Avoid companies with exploitative labor or environmental practices, and invest in alternatives.
You can’t fight every battle, so pick the ones that align most with your values and make intentional choices there.
2. Reduce Your Dependence
Meta (Facebook, Instagram): If it no longer serves you, consider reducing time spent on these platforms or deleting them entirely. Focus on in-person connections or smaller, less invasive platforms.
Amazon: Start small—try buying gifts from local stores or directly from manufacturers. Use public libraries instead of buying books on Kindle.
Google: Switch to privacy-friendly search engines (DuckDuckGo, Brave Search), and turn off tracking where possible.
3. Amplify Awareness
You don’t have to convince everyone to boycott, but you can:
Share resources and alternatives with friends.
Support causes or organizations that fight for better regulation, transparency, and worker protections in tech.
Your choices, combined with spreading awareness, create ripples. People around you might see your actions and feel inspired to make their own changes.
4. Advocate for Structural Change
The truth is, the most effective way to address the power of the broligarchies is through policy and regulation. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta aren’t just cultural phenomena—they’re monopolies enabled by lax antitrust enforcement and outdated privacy laws. Here’s what you can do:
Support organizations like EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation), which fight for digital privacy rights.
Vote for politicians and policies that focus on corporate accountability, digital privacy, and antitrust measures.
Write to your representatives about your concerns. It sounds small, but public pressure adds up.
5. Reclaim Your Attention
The broligarchies thrive on controlling your time and focus. Even if you can’t completely avoid them, you can reclaim your mental space:
Limit notifications and screen time.
Spend more time on activities outside their reach—reading physical books, connecting face-to-face, pursuing hobbies.
Create your own content instead of endlessly consuming theirs.
Does It Really Matter?
In the grand scheme of things, no one person can topple Amazon or Meta. But that’s not the point. The point is:
You’re making choices that reflect your values.
You’re supporting an ecosystem of alternatives that push back against monopolistic control.
You’re part of a broader cultural movement that says: “We see what’s happening, and we’re not okay with it.”
Small acts build momentum. If enough people reject the worst aspects of the broligarchies and support alternatives, change does happen—either through shifting cultural norms or pressuring these companies to evolve.
Final Thought
It’s not about being perfect or completely unplugging from the system. It’s about recognizing where you can create change, where you can reduce harm, and where you can reclaim your autonomy. Even small steps—shopping locally, switching a search engine, or spending less time doom-scrolling—matter because they’re actions rooted in awareness.
Your anger and apathy are valid, but don’t let them paralyze you. The broligarchies want you to feel powerless and dependent. Choosing even a little independence is a quiet, powerful rebellion.
