“Fascism is a religion. The twentieth century will be known in history as the century of Fascism.”
- July 29, 1883 – April 28, 1945
- Italian
- Politician, Journalist, Dictator, Prime Minister of Italy, Founder of Fascism
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Quote
“Fascism is a religion. The twentieth century will be known in history as the century of Fascism.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Mussolini’s attempt to elevate fascism beyond politics into the realm of sacred belief and total devotion. By calling it a “religion,” he emphasizes its role not just as a governing ideology, but as a comprehensive worldview demanding faith, loyalty, and ritualistic adherence. Fascism, in this framing, becomes an all-encompassing force, offering meaning, purpose, and identity in the way religion traditionally does. This reveals the fascist ambition to replace older belief systems with a state-centered ideology of absolute authority.
The historical context lies in the post–World War I disillusionment with liberal democracy and socialism in parts of Europe. Mussolini sought to position fascism as the defining force of the 20th century, one capable of restoring order, purpose, and national pride through collective action, sacrifice, and obedience. By declaring fascism a religion, he justified the ritualization of state power—through propaganda, symbols, parades, and the cult of the leader—creating a political faith where questioning the regime was akin to heresy.
In the modern world, this quote serves as a stark example of how authoritarian regimes seek to monopolize belief and identity. When politics becomes religion, critical thinking, dissent, and pluralism are replaced by dogma and enforced conformity. Though Mussolini’s prediction of the twentieth century as the “century of Fascism” did not fully materialize, the totalitarian impulse to sanctify ideology has persisted in various forms, reminding us of the need to safeguard secular governance, democratic principles, and freedom of conscience.
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