The Mass Psychology of Fascism

• Author: Wilhelm Reich

• Category: Essays

• Publisher: Aakar Books

• First Publication Year: 2015

• Publication Year: 2024

• Edition: 6

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 366

• ISBN: 978-93-50023-82-2

About the Book:

The Mass Psychology of Fascism is a landmark work by Wilhelm Reich that offers a deep and revolutionary analysis of the psychological roots of fascism. In this book, Reich argues that fascism is not simply the product of a specific political party or nationality but a manifestation of the emotional structure and mindset of the average person. He contends that fascism reflects the internalized authoritarianism and suppressed desires within individuals, cultivated by an authoritarian machine civilization.

Drawing on his extensive medical and therapeutic experiences with people from various walks of life—across classes, races, nations, and religious beliefs—Reich dissects how fascism emerges from the deep-seated emotional attitudes of a society that encourages submission, passivity, and uncritical adherence to authority. He makes the case that fascism is an inevitable result of these repressed emotions, often disguised as national pride or political ideology, but rooted in the individual's personal emotional and psychological suppression.

Reich’s thesis fundamentally shifts the understanding of fascism. He argues that it is not an external force imposed upon the people by dictators or political elites but rather an expression of the collective character of the average man, conditioned by the social, political, and cultural systems in place. His conclusion is clear: the fight against fascism lies with the masses themselves, as they hold the power to free themselves from the psychological mechanisms that support fascism.

This book is not only a critical exploration of fascism but also an insightful investigation into human psychology, emotional repression, and the ways in which individuals and societies can break free from oppressive ideologies.