“The art of leadership… consists in consolidating the attention of the people against a single adversary and taking care that nothing will split up that attention.”
- April 20, 1889 – April 30, 1945
- Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire
- Political leader of Nazi Germany
- As the leader of the Nazi Party, he caused World War II and led the Holocaust (the persecution and genocide of European Jews)
Quote
“The art of leadership… consists in consolidating the attention of the people against a single adversary and taking care that nothing will split up that attention.”
Explanation
In this quote, Adolf Hitler outlines a tactic of leadership that focuses on unifying the public by creating a common enemy. He suggests that leaders can consolidate power and control by focusing the people’s energy and emotions on a single adversary, making it easier to rally support, suppress dissent, and manipulate public opinion. By maintaining this unified focus, the leader ensures that any potential distractions or competing issues are sidelined, allowing for a more effective manipulation of the population. This technique, which can be seen as a form of scapegoating, is intended to foster unity within the group, even if that unity is based on hatred or fear of the enemy.
Historically, Hitler used this tactic to great effect during the rise of the Nazi regime. He skillfully directed the anger and frustration of the German population toward various “enemies”—including Jews, communists, and other perceived threats—thereby uniting the people under a banner of nationalism and revenge. By focusing public attention on these groups as scapegoats, he was able to rally support for extreme policies and actions, including the persecution of Jews and the expansion of Germany through war. The tactic of directing attention toward a single enemy also allowed Hitler to maintain tight control over his followers, as it prevented them from questioning his authority or policies.
In modern society, this quote is a stark reminder of how leaders can manipulate the masses by creating or exaggerating external threats to distract from internal problems or to unite people under a single cause. It highlights the dangers of polarization and the use of scapegoats in political rhetoric, where an enemy is constructed to serve the interests of those in power. Recognizing these tactics is essential to preventing the rise of authoritarianism and promoting critical thinking, ensuring that the focus remains on addressing real, collective issues rather than being misled by divisive distractions.