“Fascism is not defined by the number of its victims, but by the way it kills them.”
- June 21, 1905 – April 15, 1980
- Born in France
- Philosopher, novelist, playwright
- He advocated existentialism and had a major influence on 20th century thought through works such as “Being and Nothingness” and “Nausea”
Quote
“Fascism is not defined by the number of its victims, but by the way it kills them.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre delves into the nature of fascism, arguing that its true essence lies not in the scale of its atrocities, but in the brutal, dehumanizing methods used to carry out those atrocities. While the number of victims in fascist regimes is undeniably horrifying, Sartre emphasizes that it is the way in which these lives are taken that characterizes fascism. The violence of fascism is marked by its systematic cruelty, its efforts to strip away human dignity, and its focus on instilling fear and subjugation in both the victims and the society at large. The point here is that fascism’s horror is found not only in the physical destruction it causes but in its psychological and moral effects on individuals and communities.
Sartre’s analysis speaks to the dehumanization that occurs under fascist regimes, where the state uses violence as a tool of control, stripping individuals of their humanity. This violence is often not just physical but involves a destruction of self-worth and identity. The methods of killing—whether through extermination, torture, or oppression—are designed to break down the resilience of people and make them feel powerless. The focus on “the way” in which the killing occurs is a critique of the totalitarian mindset that seeks not only to eliminate bodies but to crush the spirit of opposition.
In the modern context, this quote can be applied to understanding authoritarian regimes or the methods of state violence used in contemporary conflicts or oppression. Sartre’s insight reminds us that the true danger of fascism and similar systems lies not just in the loss of life but in the methods of control that degrade humanity itself. In a world where psychological warfare, surveillance, and social control are increasingly used to manipulate populations, Sartre’s warning about the methods of killing resonates with how power can exploit violence to erode individual freedoms and human dignity in subtle, insidious ways.
