Excerpt from The Nemesis of Docility: A Study of German Character
The word docility is not quite strong enough for the purpose of this book. But servility, which seems to be the only alternative to it, if not too strong, has too narrow a range of meaning. Let me, then, explain that by docility I mean readiness to obey for the sake of obeying, avidity for commands and instructions, reluctance to accept responsibility or exercise initiative, inability to react against the pressure of autocratic authority. Docility, in this sense of the word, when it is a national char acteristic, may become a destructive force of extreme violence. For a docile majority implies a dogmatic and domineering minority; and the docile majority may carry docility so far as to become dogmatic and domineering, in imitation of their masters, whom they naturally make their model. Thus it is possible for a people to be as clay in the hands of ambitious and unscrupulous rulers, and yet to be arrogant, aggressive, and self centred in their bearing towards the rest of the world. When this happens, the materials have been laid for a great conflagration, and only a spark is needed to set them ablaze.
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Anbieter: Forgotten Books, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Paperback. Zustand: New. Print on Demand. This book uncovers the genesis of German docility, a national characteristic that has profoundly shaped the nation's political and social development. The author traces the origins of this obedience and submissiveness to the tribal and feudal traditions of Germany's past. The book examines how this docility has manifested itself throughout German history, particularly in the rise of Prussian militarism and the subsequent unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. The author argues that the German people's willingness to obey authority has both advantages and drawbacks, allowing for strong leadership and national unity but also fostering a culture of blind obedience and suppression of dissent. Ultimately, the book sheds light on the complex and often paradoxical nature of German character, providing insights into the historical and cultural forces that have shaped the nation. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 9781332740925_0
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Anbieter: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, USA
PAP. Zustand: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers LW-9781332740925
Anbieter: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, Vereinigtes Königreich
PAP. Zustand: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers LW-9781332740925
Anzahl: 15 verfügbar