The Origins of Totalitarianism

In this chapter, Arendt explores the outcomes of a classless society. According to Arendt, the removal of social classes leads to a sense of isolation which leaves individuals more likely to accept the ideologies of totalitarian movements.

She details several qualities of totalitarian dictators, e.g., they are easily forgotten and full of self-belief. She states that totalitarian leaders must perpetuate the idea that the society is constantly moving forward. In the 20th century, individuals found themselves isolated and longing to be absorbed into a new group. Totalitarian movements need critical mass to achieve their aims, and they found the masses willing to consume their ideology, capitalizing on existing racism and antisemitism, because it created a sense of purpose and community.

Arendt explores how different social groups are absorbed into the totalitarian cause. The social elite and intellectuals are drawn to the movement through its nihilism and criticism of the bourgeoisie. Intellectuals at this time perpetuated the idea of the machinery of Man, meaning that the ultimate morality was to be a part of the masses. The intellectual elite was drawn to the way totalitarian movements unified to shape history, regardless of what the aim was.