Collectivism, not individualism [Section 7 of Nietzsche and the Nazis]
[This is Section 7 of Nietzsche and the Nazis.]
7. Collectivism, not individualism
A major theme of the Program is a stress upon collectivism and a rejection of individualism.
Point number 10 of the Program, for example, says “It must be the first duty of every citizen to perform mental or physical work. Individual activity must not violate the general interest, but must be exercised within the framework of the community, and for the general good.”
National Socialism thus consciously rejects Western liberal individualism with its emphasis on the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—all of which are individualistic rights. Nazism is collectivistic: it does not hold that individuals have their own lives to live and happiness to pursue. Rather, individuals should work for the community out of a sense of duty; they serve the general good, to which they subordinate their personal lives.
Point 24 of the Program returns to this theme and emphasizes it strongly: “THE COMMON INTEREST BEFORE SELF-INTEREST.” The bold print and capitalization are in the original, for emphasis.
[This post can also be downloaded as a PDF at the Nietzsche and the Nazis page.]
Tags: Collectivism, Individualism, National Socialism, Nazi collectivism, Nazi twenty-five point program, Nazis versus individualism
Too true. Ask a progressive the question, “Once you take out the bits about race, which part of the Nazi Party Platform do you not agree with?” and you will be greeted with a blank stare and a stammer.
Exactly.
LOL, let me guess. In this instance, “progressive” is a code word for “liberal” or “Democrat.” I love “conservatives” who want ONLY the invdividual rights which they respect to be protected and observed. “Individual rights trump the concerns of society, EXCEPT when I feel otherwise”- Please see “Abortion” as Exhibit 1-A).
The big, bad State should keep its nose out of my business…BUT it has every right to intrude upon your life, when I happen to disagree with what you are doing. Does that pretty much sum it up, “Brianna?”
I just started researching marxism, socialism, communism after discovering our local high school students seem to be studying related philosophers extensively - and the impact on these kids’ viewpoints show it, in my opinion of essays posted for a project this week. I believe the Beck special from January (Revolutionary Holocaust) said nazism and fascism was on the right but did not go into detail. I appreciate your research very much and look fwd to reading the entire manuscript,
Thanks, Michelle. Yes, many high school students do get exposed to that material, which I don’t think is problematic if it’s in the context of also being exposed to the philosophers and thinkers of the competing major positions.
I haven’t seen the Glen Beck show you mention.
The whole manuscript is in final design and will be published over the summer. Glad you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read so far.