THE THEMES OF AGITATION THE AGiTATOR SPEAKSCHAPTER I enemiesrefugees,arrangedAmerica of awakenrenegades,and America run to for theSocialists, are themWhen fact like bythat thewill termites,aliens, theirparasitic the commonplain, Communists, and insect traitors?ordinary, which Thesecrackpots, sincere, sheeplike affairs are being people of lags his alien awhen parasite.getegg busy theinside cocoon and the fight cocoon opens, it theOh, insteadofwhole this a is vicious aof clever a butterfly thing scheme we and find if athe pest, American people butterfly, devours the larvae and, will be slipped over don't Nimrodchannels,ganizedandon you carefully without clique,of has Babylon, planned been andyour inoperating and conspiracy,continuous is the through ever directedexistence lurking official by enemy since aand powerfully semiofficialthe of thedays peo- or-of knowing what hit you. A comprehensive panictheseple'sdaughter,like liberty. usurpersby to exhibitionshave orRemember of wifethe Christian bloodstreampolluted of maximumat all liberties bytimes dried of brutalities. thatwill your blood the be baby, tacticsto collected (Howcreate or employed your wouldhorror from son, youJews, by or and firstordeal.premiseseralNegroes, announcements andso that criminals?) ravages of trouble ofIt forwillthirst all be mayhouseholders only not ordinary add to sensehavethelarge general sev- at receptaclesthe for storing drinking water on their andthemsatellitesThe Imerciless createam worknot terrible condoning programsupon Hitler reactions.people theof and abuse whoreactions; HitlerismI am are which not not Ijustifying inamarecertain full merelythe agreement creaturesJews the explaining reactionsand oftheirwith Jewrq and Judaism. 2 them. Have the Jews forgotten that the PROPHETS OF DECEIT more they organize ma- goguesWhatandterially isthe toon againstcloserprevent purpose they their Jewish so are opponents, asRemember, togangsters to persecution? create the from theseapparent doing Jews justification damageexpect to show for more assaults will increase no mercy to Christians. to syna- inand retaliation—inor have near displayed synagogues? which tooWe muchChristian know whatAmericans, the stuffed who knowshirts and reactionaries will courage, would be picked up dead too much sag. manSemitismwill Theyof appealhis will liberty. to only sayseek weWe to the thearehave truth.What's crackpots.lunatic imprisoned Or wrong? isfringe. it? They him ButI'll will behindtell surely you the what iron is bars wrong. We have robbed say that this program it is not anti- persecutionsurrenderfearnessmanof bureaucratic he is untilviolating of before a hepersecution.bond, is somesome afraid the Washington bureaiwraticappearance toWe sign have his taunted board, beforenamerule that theto a willAmerican pay call check for busi- for or evena imprison-committee, the the laborandhaveinent conspirators stoodinto itself. a idlydues-paying byregiment andWhile watched conspiracy our we workers ahave gang designed dissipatedin of the racketeers, in Moscow and persecuted radicals, management, name of organized to re- we thattheseRedcruit 2 city-slickers andRevolution. workers 2 is 4, for that and what GodgiveWe they isit arebackin hope his going to heaven would the to people take becomeand thisthethat Bible thegovernmentstill American believe is the out of the hands of endangereddisloyalhaveWord. protected Down to the by mustvoters! subtle the comefavoredWhenever and thoseactive few, awho interests. legislativeand live those in Lust luxury,bodypoliticians for meets, the lawswho liberties that of the people power, finan.. are eral."liberty.cial and Whether There political, isapplied a deserved is the to Religion, ever-lurking odium Morals, resting enemy orupon Politics, of the the word "Liberal-people's "lib-is destructive of all fundamental values. In matters pertaining to Religion) Liberalism leads to Atheism. In Morals, THE THEMES OF AGITATION 3 realizeworkit leadstois athe ofday whatto preservationa Nudism.democracyto isreturn going In to on Politics, ofthe whenour greathigh democracy ittheir road,leadsmass interests totoof theAnarchy. decentand main are to thepeoplebetrayed. roadIn traditionsthe that doframe- This notleads of Christianroundourcoo republic. peratethemselves sentiment. in all withschemes America,Alien-minded the seduced to thebuild vain—America, daughters upplutocrats pro-Communist of roll America, the in proud—wealth, and and anti- bathe in liquor, sur- theykindsparty.WhenAmerica, drank of ThereHarry food, the of wereHopkius nationtheand vintage itseven had of got gluttonscost kinds ofmarried, '26.Barney of Youand meat Mr. Baruch spenderstalk served—twenty-twoBaruch about $122 and arrangedthe a plate;drinkers. drunken andthe orgieshaven'tamlikelong such that. ofas gothistory—weI a amThat's bad the a man.Christianguts what to Because expect theysay. soul, do CaponeI not Isay will want what not to me youlivebe togoverned alllike say. want that, That's toby but say awhy manas and I tion,canreestablisherance, history. without to Weemasculate anyAmerica propose silly We sentimentalityon thewithout leadersa debauchersbasis further arewhere sometimesrisking within ado,this ourspoliationwithout the livesknown social equivoca-to can aswritebody Tol- never aand new page in Ameri- betweenagainItoThis have the be would temperaterepeated.beenthe sixth begiven physically Iof and ama August strong attemptingChristian impossible bodyand lifethe andto speak fifteenthof strongfor my most one mother constitution. of hundredmen September. andbut timesfather,thanks Even throwdeadso, there man, mud will I at will be my nights be opponent so thatfatigued I .will and drop exhausted. to the bed But almost I'll neverlike a . . I am led by the ethics and moralstraitorswhether of Christ.who wewe are going undermininggoingWe to to arepreserve be comingsoldAmerica. lawdown toand the order rivercrossroads and to decencythese where Red or we must decide 4 we are making historyThis here meeting today. is This not a islecture a crusade. course, I itdon't is not PROPHETS OF DECEIT an open forum... moneyknow how from we enthusiastic can carry friends. on without BACKGROUND FOR SEDUCTION money. All we want is steadysentially—and mayaudiences the be same ignored in ideas thisThe as country,and such. agitator's are Yet couched if, speechesforharangue* the in time similar and being, articles language may appear simply as the raving of a maniac only small ones. that voice es- do attract masstioncomeWhat that movement—withfairly are America theclose social towas the and Americannearing nationalmost psychological notable agitationpolitical success implications isscene. in aduring fluidActing stage. the Some agitators have a grave crisis, they have tried to build a of such materials? on the assump- years of theoccasionally shippedactivelargeNew this locally Deal by has masses andbeen and shortly thewho,of followers,Farexception. farbefore more from America's numerousrather evoking suggest entry theare imagethose into the lessof conspicuous agitators a quack medicine sales- war. But by and a leader wor- who are holdinglikelythesetheyman. agitatorsthat play Theirmeetings.l their on activity hardlyvagueaim What is hasfearsmerelyseem they many or to togiveexpectations take characteristicsmake their their admission-paying of of a psychological racket: a living by publishing a paper orown ideas seriously, and it is a radical change. Some of variablyandmime—ratherkind often of serves act—something seemingly them than asa irrelevant politicalan between occasion speech. personal for Discussion abuse. The of line political between a tragic recital and a clownish panto- vague and violent vituperation audience is a topics in- ambi- andAmericantheretious racket politicianare many agitationmay andintermediaryblend. findssmall-timeWhatever itself types. inthepeddler a differencespreliminary What of isdiscontent important, amongstage inis American whichhardhowever, agitators, they all belong to draw, for movement is that Harper'stheirs.agitators. Magazine, Except for January, thef punctuation,Compare 1947, the everything—words,excellentThe italicized study by speech J. thoughts, V. Martin, is a appeals—iscomposite "A Gentleman of actual from statements Indiana," made by p. 66. American all in to THE THEMES OF AGITATION is immedi- 5 atelycertainsimilaritycareful struck recurrentexamination byis notthe accidental unmistakablemotifs, of agitational thethe but sameconstants similaritythat species.speeches it is based of Even and on writingsthe a unforewarned listener or reader of agitation. their content and tone. A unifying pattern—onSince these are not shows that this describingsocialthem.explicitly andThis statedpsychologicalits then fundamental isas thesuch,As basicdifferentiated strainsthe themes. taskagitation of of agitation from analyst's propagandistic by means first the present study: to discover the slogans, agitational themes di- task is to isolateof isolating and fromfrontrectlyfrom hisits reflect inside midstaudience the theto audience'sexpress audience,fromThe the its themes predispositions. innermoststirring are up presented with a frivolous air. outside; he seems rather like someone arising what lies dormantthoughts. there. He works, so to speak, The agitator does not con- The agitator's statements bilityHeanythingarecommit seemsoften of retreat and tohimself be he intrying gives casefor heto theany leaveis impression willing,of hishimself improvisations temporarily that a margin he is at ambiguous and unserious. It is difficult to pin him down to deliberatelyleast,of uncertainty, to juggle playacting.fall ahis possi-flat. no- He does not doubletalkabletions and testthe to hiswildforbidden, powers. extravagances.This Movinghe apparent is ready in aunseriousness to use any is, however, concerned twilight zone between the respect- the agitator tries to establish device, from jokes to with very serious Thereamatters. tentativeentirelyand isthe Ina passive,listeners;sort understandinghis ofrelationship unconscious and as itin is cases notto the complicityalways of audience individual clear or who collaboration seduction initiates which will lead to nothing less than seduction. neither partnerthe seduction. is In between him factorswhichseductionboth are parties.that therethe reflect result Thisoperates the relationshipof deepruses not onlyconscious but isalso,mistaken present and and predominantly,notions inunconscious all the or errors the forbidden fruit, Evethemes of agitation. involvement ofpsychologicalof judgment uponserpentknowsinner her thatdoesrebellion latent she not desire would presentagainstWhen to thereby doanthe the theidea commandment. serpent becompletely violating suggests to Eve that she eat forbidden, which is, in turn, based on her alien to her;God's he plays commandment. rather The agitator6 as a specific typeAgitation of may be viewed WORKING ON THE AUDIENCE PROPHETS OF DECEIT as a specific type of public activity and the oris afrustrating. socialwill serve condition us This as thatdiscontentThe immediate he a convenient frame of reference.cause of the activity of an "advocate of a section of the population feels to be"advocate of social change"—a articulates by pointing out its social change" concept that iniquitous pre- henally,forsumed proposes perpetuatinghe promotescauses. himself He theHere social then are the four general proposesa movement toas defeat its leader. capable the social of achieving groups held this condition that gives rise categories under which the to discontent. Fi- objective, and responsibleoutput of categoriesponent,any "advocate The Movement, of social andchange" The can be used to isolate subclasses; can be classffied: Discontent,Leader. Significant The variations in the Op- - intionary,"is toarea break or depending as down involving "advocateUnlike the whole of thesocial usual advocate of on whether the discontent is socialsocial change, structure. the agitator, change" into "reformer" an especially useful division seen as circumscribed or "revolu-while ex- havior.proposingaudience'sdiscontentploiting The opponent athatdisorientationby state means they of he insteaddiscontent, of singles rational by adoptdestroying does out has no discerniblyconcepts. Rather rationalseemingly does henot increasespontaneous try to define modes the nature of all rational guideposts and by of be- that his thanstandsdefinedHis they movement the have.social situation The group.is diffuse general better He andlays than claim purpose of his activity,vague, beand it heconscious does not appealothers to but because he has to leadership not because he suffered more any well-features. orunder- not, areahispassivelyis grievances toof modify social receptive life.theare spontaneousnot Nor to circumscribed,It hisdoesis quitepersonal he attitudes obviousaddress thathimself the agitator influence. doesof buthis not listenerson fitthe into contrary the reformer take to any distinct socialso that they become in every type; thatcontentenemies,group, in his he as view articulatesevery does the theAmerican causes reformer;takesYet he ofinis doeshisallthis except spherespotential discontentnot fitfor ofinto the thesmall revolutionary follower. group,social either. life, he While theare dis- inherent in and insep- minority he brands never suggests as arable from the basic social set-up. THE existingTHEMES socialOF AGITATION structure, but he does not hold it He refers vaguely to the inadequacies 7 mayultimatelyndrather iniquities be than responsible ofa change the forlie in alwayssocial ills, suggests as does that the involved in the process of getting rid of the enemy he sees as a political structure.what isWhatever necessary political is the elimination changes of people revolutionary. agitationalcapitalismdirectlymeanscannot rather on find literaturehisis defined invictims it a contains towithout be in frequent the references to than an end. The enemy is represented as acting, so to speak, discussion of the economic causes of unemployment. socialist theory. For instance,intermediary although of a social form, such as unemployment, one evenevilThe characteragitatorinterested lays orin sheer responsibilitySometimes, theseon an internationalists [a few international price or profit. They use their monopoly control to determine malice is at the bottom of social maladjustment. unvarying set of enemies, whose financiers} are not offactories tracethetheir living ownsocial and standards secretmines, dissatisfaction plans.' and of Unlike widespreadpeoples. to the a reformerpoverty, or revolutionary the agitator They would clearlyrather see definable unemployment, cause. The closed whole idea of if they might see the fulfillment makes no effort to rootedsituationenemyendobjective the in heldsubjective seems other,cause responsible lesslesstends feeling thevisible to basis recede of causes. dissatisfactionof ainto complaint the for it. As a result, his reference to an objective background, leaving only on onethanand ona vehicle the other for the a complaint personal extraordinaryforagitator his own picks purposes. up changes issuesThis Throughout fromwitnessed impression current in theis American cotifirmed past sixteen life,when years, the we agitator observe political discussions and uses them with what facility theUnlike political par- despite the kept tutedgrumblingveighedofties, general public he never againstand worksconcern, vituperatinghad boondoggling. toto herelievechange grumbled in unemployment,histhe "general same about basic that; tone. whenhe line." When unemployment was joinedthe government those who insti-in- carefulevil character driver. ofHe the admonished enemy:TheSensational death all of who newsGeneral drove items George for supplyhim S. to Patton, drivehim with Jr., remainsoccasions a mystery. for branding thecarefully. He He was a chargedwas8 known into to him be fromwise and cautious In traffic. a side road. PROPFIETS OF DECEIT He was killed by a truck that accident.2everandGerman bulldozed returned race merely toby therevengeful becauseUnitedHe States. Jews.they opposed Some the peopleMorgenthau Plan. were Germans.He had He promised refused toto beblow dominated off the Helid wasif he against the liquidation of the doubt if his death was an cal instructions to Suppose—thatHis imagination the does Third not International shy had a handpicked personnel of the Communist Party in all away from obvious incongruities: issued secret formulae and techni- coun- channeldriftingtries. deathand up fell the upon Thames Donorthern you knowremember that even a couple in Free of even to London itself?... France andAmericayears Belgium ago at that andthe a presentfloated mysterious moment, gas stark cloud of across the and revolutionary.ofthem violentrational effectively Death concepts. His towaits complaints the Whenuponpublic?8It should the the do footsteps referby now be clear that the reformer and revolutionary articulate of men agitatorwho know is neithersuch facts toa reformer socialand reality but not in terms nor a givethe attitudesagitationtualoriginal elements. complaint, isinto rather a The heightened indirect relationshiptheyThe reformersupplant and nonexplicit. and revolutionary awareness of its predicament. The originalbetween complaintgeneralizepredominating and theexperience audience's emotional rudimentary by intellec- in toideas energychologicalcomplaintsexaggerate and emotionsspent effectsbecome and by thetointensify of sublimated reformerthe agitator's the and andirrational revolutionary socialized. a higher plane of awareness is used by the activity are radically different. The elements in the originalThe direction andto lift the audience's agitator psy- andsheproaches.complaint. wasadded choking, that In a"something crowded that sheThe New should following York be bus done incident illustrates the was pushed and squeezed by other a woman complaineddifference loudly between that theabout it." (A typical inarticu- passengers, two ap- antionary.aboutcompanylate objective complaint.) it, The we shouldissue—in inarticulatemight A assign second get this results." expressionmorecase "the busses (The faulty of tothe thisorganization route. If passenger observed: "Yes, it's terrible. The solution of a reformer complainant is translated we did something of the transpor- or revolu- intobus theEnglish.Buttation bus then company. Theya should services that third passenger angrily declared: "This has nothing to do with It's all thosecan beforeigners remedied who byTHE appropDiate don't beTHEMES sent even back OFspeak collective AGITATION where good theyaction.") came from." (The solu- 9 contenttheissuetion vicious of for theof action agitational agitatorIn material contradistinction is in the to foreigners.) against an established authority, but into thewho theme translates of the original complaint notall otherinto anprograms of social change, the explicit last analysis incidental—it is like thateffectwordsthe manifest were is is to to not make release content originally the reactionsIt audienceof is presenttrue that ofsubservient ingratification the the agitatoraudience's to his or sometimes personalfrustration complaints. leadership. appears whose But these totalto introduce concepts dreams. The primary function of the agitator's bureaucratsbutsogovernmentare not notrather because the because forbureaucrats he reasons he knows thatfor the havethat privations therenothing is a ofto potential wartimedo with resentment rationing.rationing, he Theagainst does ap- result of an objective analysis. When the agitator denounceshas discovered any causal relationship between the two letsencepearanceforsignificant himself is the deceptive: ofagitator's bean and carriedintellectual theinstead attention. significant; by ofit. distance opposingHe What neglectsno complaint,betweenhe the generalizes to distinguish the no agitator resentment is not between and an intellectualisthe toothe audi- smallin- "natural" current, the agitator image,tion,predicament,perception; the which agitator what butis antends anhe enlargement Insteadaggravation produces to present of building is of itofnot through thethe the audience'sanemotion intellectual objective a fantastic itself. own correlate awarenessand projections. extraordinary of his of Theaudience'sthe dissatisfac- helpingrequireeffortareagitator's always the hisonly solutions reformer facile,followers the willingnesssimple, may and to seemsublimate revolutionaryand incongruous final,to relinquish the like original daydreams. demand, and inhibitions. emotion,morally the Instead agitatorshocking, the And ofagitator theinstead seems but specific gives they ofto violentlythemfollowingthe shapepermission discharge remarks:of traffic tothose lightsindulgeSometimes emotions in Newin anticipatory this againstYork hostility City, alleged for fantasiestakes instance,enemies. on paranoiacin may which inspire overtones.they the The change of 10 What a shock it must be to the descendants of the STAR OF DAVID PROPHETS OF DECEIT to is6changed,see inchesthetraffic. all work traffic in Thisfor diameter,of signalthe ourchange duration, Engineering lightsnow is made to in fromshow the in Department Fivethe thea RED DIMOUT fullBoroughs ORred of GREENand theidea, of greenN. Greater but Y. CROSS, thePolice,circular New for York light, being about use of the CROSS I so the Jews or against canexpenseagitatortion be remindedand appeals oftends the that rationalto primarily thisignoreThe is anda reformer Christianirrational toanalytical. irrational orNation.4 or revolutionary subconscious or subconscious concentrates elements. elements onBut atan the theanalysis of the situa- CHAPTERSOCIAL MALAISE II selfpresentscOflditionment devotes of socialno of difficulties a discontent. changegreat Thepart is at to first ofInall—in locate hismost and energy fact, theinstancesmost cause the tonatural advocatearticulating of the the tasksolution movement of that social this ofconfronts cause.this changein a problem specific When a him- student of any move- point.harshestheThatwe seemsexamine the But agitatorinjustice alwayswhenever agitation, wants toand bethe whose however, toaddressing investigator exploit patience weexisting people facescans has an discontentbeen thewho entirely texts strainedare ofsmartingisdifferent agitationobvious to the under situation.breaking enough: and, theon buttriesthedisappointed. basisrather to discover of that his itexperience whatanswers Theis the, a difficultyin question discontentstudying ishe othernot itdid articulates, that notkinds agitation ask: of wheneversocial he isfails consistentlymovements, to he provide asks him with answers, presumablycontradictoryclearlyativewhat and defined indignantsuffers. or objective inconsistent At references best, condition agitation references to enemies, from provides to which such but the allegednowherethe investigator agitator'she conditions. can heaudience with find Un- a is answered as if he had asked who. He finds numerous vituper- althoughlesstentagitationchange, we to decide whicha senseisanalyst either thatthe of facesagitator thediscontentunable agitator the refers. ortask exists,unwilling is of simply himself he, unlikeato lunatic explicatingstate other it we explicitly. advocates must the state assume Hence, ofof socialdiscon- that, the to analyze it by methodsEven thata cursory help discover glance at the agitational purposes materialof the revolu- shows that any attempt A CATALOGUE OF GRIEVANCES II thetionary12 agitator's or the reformercomplaints could in termslead only of the to ansimplest impasse. categories, If we try towe classify obtain PROPHETS OF DECEIT orextendedapproximately economic1.to EcoNoMic loan, to or foreign life. GRIEVANcES.tothe give Hefollowing nations. may away, begin picture:"If we we anywherehad have better any at give money all. itToo to to ourmuchoffer own for help first.nothing, is being Of The agitator roams freely over every area of course,nothing"People that to born iseat old whilein fashioned." America refugeesBehindNot onlyhave get such are theirto injusticesforeignerscommit jobs."2 suicide stand taking "The because our Internationalmoney, they they have alsoBankers, threaten who our devised jobs. catory"whatmoney."3and control istaxation, more our likely wool-less, money to Suchfollow system, metal-less, situations many [and] years auto-less constituteare of guilty Nudeal regimentation aof dangercommunistic giving to usand the unsound planned confis- American way of life, for peopleStates2.scarcities POLIT[CAL isgovernment are suffering than warned: GRIEVANCES. our fromfinallyjeopardize "Be the notbecoming scourge dupedpolitical of strippedby internationalism."5liberties. the internationalists by "Like necessity Russia, Theto Nudism?"4who theAmerican United dwell International commitments by the United amongst us."6 Of course it is only reasonable that "treaties and agreements . . . . shall worldbe reached congress with madeother nations,up of a fewbut .Orientals and a few Russians and a . . to . we want no world court and no . . fewstrikes Europeans that are and "dress a fewFrom rehearsals British . for a forthcoming general strike that is within, this country is threatened by radicalism, which prepares . make laws for us to obey. trian-bornmeant to paralyze Felix Frankfurter the Nation.We presides . over an unending 'Moscowandface trial.' both the danger of a "Soviet America .the rule of "tyrannical bureaucrats" who if they "could have ." . . where . . . an Aus- media8.mercilesstheir Cuiiun&i way of public as completely"GRIEVANCES. anything information on would earth."'° are ."institute in the hands a "dictatorship of enemies in of America the nation. as The agitator is greatly disturbed because the SOCIAL MALAISE 13 tionsdominatedintoJewish"...the the and Hollywood Communists fresh discoveries by youngaliens motion determinedwhoofminds native havepicture of citizens ourappropriated to industry children.inject and their iswho to.being materialistic theirnow exploited specializeown use propaganda bythe in Russian inven-specu- ." Hollywood is "largely racial,lation,4. MoRAL religiousindecency GBJEvANCES. and and economic foreign"The American propaganda."12 pressure pressgroups."13 will never be free" until control "is removed from The enemies of the agitator are notoriously lax dayscountryMarxists,in morals: while and refugees, they want guzzleengage the left-wing restAnd champagne."4 in of whatluxury internationalistsus to is go consumption,most on milldess,galling who of enjoytheybutterless, all is arethe that creama "crowdcheeseless"we ofgentiles the of are suckers." For "while we were prayingThis they list hadof diffuse their hands complaints in our pockets."15 could be lengthened indefinitely; EMOTIONAL SUBSTRATUM it ascertain constantnotshouldfollows: refer emotions be elementsto sufficient any or clearly emotional discernible to indicate delineated complexes. in that this material the mass grievancesThese of or grievances moralmay thebe condition. roughlyagitator are references dividedvoices The only do to torberefugeesphenomena "duped"are such cash byimpingingwords in internationalists. on asthe hoax, Distrust: on"gullibility" its corrupt, life The Strewnin waysof agitatorinsincere, Americans, through it does plays duped, notthe whom on understand.output hismanipulate. he audience's ofwarns the Foreign agita-not suspicions to of all social tected,protestambivalentple who to againstsuffer belong nature from manipulation to ofaDependence: sensestrong this complexof organization helplessnessand The on which theagitator or otherand onbe passivity. seemsledthe hand byone toa strongwishhandassumeHe plays toreflects leader. bethat on pro- thehe is addressing peo- a own—"weto.and The millions spiritual feedAmerican foreigners,"16 of goods,unemployed. taxpayer's Exclusion:but thatthe money agitatorthe The people is agitator usedcomplains, do to not helpsuggests get whileeveryone what that we they there neglectbut are himselfis entitledan abundance of material our 14 Anxiety: This complex manifests itself in PROPHETS OF DECEIT a general premonition of dis- scribesspeaksthatfearasters theof to aofmoral dislocationcome,pervasive "the mainstays darkest a prominent sense of hourits of of lifesocial fear inpart by American and lifeofrevolutionary insecurity:which history"7 seems action, to andbe andthe graphically middle-classits suspicion de- are being undermined. The agitator taintieshasconcern. been can Mencaught be areremoved, by afraid the This ague .unless afternoon and these chills fears America of uncertainty.can be is destroyed, caught Unless in the these throes of fear, apprehension and . . to vote, afraid not to vote . . Our we shall never population uncer- everfraud,characterizationhave prosperitya deception,legislative again.'8 dishonesty,of body politicsDisillusionment: meets, asfalsehood, liberties"make-believe, Thishypocrisy.of the complex people pretense, isare seen pretext,endangered in such sham, remarks by as the agitator's ." In fact, "when- ValuesInternationalists"Democracysubtle and active A Misnomer, tointerests."20 Confuse A Trickand Ideological Befuddle Word Used slogansAmerican by Jew inspire andCitizens. Communistic resentment:and ideals are enemy weapons, covering up the machinations of ."j people,andsinister justice."22 accomplish powers which, their "takingpurposes advantage under the of cloak the mass of humanitarianism ignorance of THE INDIVIDUAL IN CRISIS our fleeting,feelingsrootedby the insubstantial,agitator in cannot the social into be genuinedismissed Thepurely structure? analyst accidentalcomplaints as The eitherof agitation answer and oraccidental arepersonal seemsthey now themselvesoremotions facesunavoidable: imposed, the blown problem: they these are these merely a constant areup soerndisillusionmentbasic to life: speak,to malaise.modem on ourblend society. ownWhen together for Distrust, we we define to cannot form dependence, the ajustify discontentfundamental this exclusion, definitionutilized condition byanxiety, by agitation ofexplicit mod- and as malaise, we are, helpsplausiblereferencesagitational to account one, to statementsagitational because for certain its asstatements. onlya lunaticrecurrent alternative productIt is characteristics an would hypothesis,beyond be analysis. to of butsee agitation: itthe Moreover,is mazea highly of it its condition.grievancesdiffuseness, and its its pseudo-spontaneity, substitutionThe agitator ofdoes a personalitsnot flexibility spin hisenemy grumblings in utilizing for an objective outa variety of thin of air. The modern SOCIAL MALAISE 15 themotifsfeelsbewildermentindividual's stresses himself often imposedsenserecur a in helpless the inof face modernonisolation, victim, theof theindividual sociological seeminglyhis weakeningso-called by writings.impersonalthe spiritual profoundsense This of forceshomelessness, values—all transformationsmalaise of which reflects these hishe thepersonalracies,taking classcompartmentalization placethe ofties decay small inbetween Our independentof economicthe individuals patriarchal and atomizationandproducers in social family,an increasingly bystructure—the of giganticthe group breakdown life, mechanizedindustrial replacementand ofthe bureauc-primary substi-world, of relatednent,steadilytution yetof to increasing mass theyspecific cultureare hardshipsdifficultintensity.These for traditional objective toorThey graspfrustrations. are patterns. becausecausesubiquitous Their have they and accumulated beenare apparently only operating indirectly psycho- for a long time with perma- inwhichnotlogical the clearly individual'sthe effect victim defined is something cannot own malaiseOn depths thetrace akin planewhich toand toany of isaseems chronicexperiencedimmediateknown to source.acquiredisturbance, awareness, by hima life as an of an the habitualits apparently malaiseown andand seems to originate frontwithatantagonismisolated present particularsocial and most coercionto purely the acuteness—perhapssusceptible rest psychic in of its the more to orworld. agitation spiritual direct Thoseprecisely forms. seem crisis. groups tobecause It experience enhancesin our they society histhisdo not thatmalaise sense of con- are symptomsituation.tiontorts byit. Malaisethe toThe agitator;the agitator underlyingis neitherAlthough it doesis an asocial psychological notillusion malaise try situation. to of actuallydiagnose the Instead audiencesymptom reflects the he relationshipnor tricks of social a mere his reality, audience imposi- of this it also veils and dis- an oppressive nenttion,audienceguiseinto acceptingpredicamentit of merely a to protest it. leadsSince the byagainst very the meansthis audience situation pseudo-protestthe of oppressive irrational to that seek produced outbursts. neverpermanentsituation, produces its Thethe relief malaise. agitatoragitator a from genuine Under bindsdoes solu- notthehis a perma- PROPHETS OF DECEIT butobsoletepathcreate rather to theovercoming form tomalaise, activities of society it.but Thoseof he or individuals aggravatesto afflicteda poor organization byand the fixates malaise of it because ascribe hesocial bars evil the or groups motivated by innate im- an adequatenot to an society, unjust or notrequireswhichtionpulses. seem beyond nothe Forto explanation agitatorthe the and massesagitator above simpiy or asthese development. history:immediately takes impulses for Jews, granted Abstract"real" for instance, as intellectual their own theoriesemotional do are biological in nature, they func- as an inherent condition that are evil—a "fact" continuesarticulationpearreactions. to function toIt ofisexist forany afterthisas particular an reason Malaiseit. independent thatissue, can the beis emotions expressed comparedforce, which expressed by to thisa exists skin articulation, in disease. agitationprior to The andthe patient who .suffers ap- exercisereflectiveandfollowsfrom seek such the of areaction, cureself-violenceaorders disease for ofhe the a haswill competent cause will anscratch instinctive giveof his doctor,allhim itch. the a certainmore urgeButhe will if vigorously.to kindhe refrainscratch succumbs of relief, from hisThis skin. scratchingbut irrational it If will he to his un- ofhardships disease.atmalaise the same or Thewhich frustrations, time agitator pervade increaseThe says: but allagitator his keep modernmore need scratching. exploitsfundamentally to life. scratch The not malaiseand primarily those will whichin diffuse theno way feelingsis feelingsexperi- cure generated his by specific isverifiableclassicalbyenced beyond the associal an methodtheterms internal processresources and of psychicthen articulatingin ofits proposing the totality. condition, agitator. causes Suchdefinite can, ofan discontenthowever,explanation—followingmethods tobe inremove explained universal them— only andthe himselfandbase.disadvantage—his therefore While indirectly most limited, othervoices inabilityHere socialpolitical the tothemalaise, ailment, relate movementsagitator thecan the discontentgiveturns modern promise the to impression account agitator,to a ancure obvious forwhat becausethat he mightcausal aims he appear his greatest a specific, psyche,inothersto thatcure fumblehe some it voicescan chronic, withappear the the Becausetotality toultimatesymptoms, be anof the modernexpression condition. malaise he attacks feeling. originates ofAnd the frustrated so,very hein roots theinsinuates, spontaneity deepestof the disease whilelayers and of the individual essential spiritual needs. The agitator, implicitly working on this assump- SOCIAL MALAISE 17 materialisticselfishspecificsociety,tion, thus class whilematters claims interests. attitude,his inas opponents, housing sinceHe can or whohe, unemploymentexcoriate onconcern the contrary, the others or wages, has for at their representheart only only the effect that he represents the most general interests of themselves with such limited, seemingly oftospontaneitynation gratifythose and unjust suppressed the and, race.constraints by extension,He instinctual can of thus civilization with identify any symbol that himself operate suggesting with on any a thatdeeper, symbol he strives more suggesting spiritual impulses. He can appear as the enemy attrampledrepresentintimate all, to bedownlevel himself dissociated thanby modernas Thisthose a fromromantic alleged industrialism.imposed history spirituality defender byand social to beisof vague ancientassociatedinstitutions, enough traditions with andto includethe he today most can or exclude anything employmentsincerity,forPromethean1primitive participation and biological energies to independence. spiritual in communalof instincts. sacrificematters. He In life,and can its promise fornameeasily spiritual theswitch to agitatorsatisfy security, from the can money essential appealspontaneity, and toneeds un- the ratheroffrom jobs the than foundation seeking banks of our filled national with gold.23 life than the mere loss of money andthere loss. is something deeper,. more substantial. which hasCharity been removed means seeking first the kingdom of God and His justice alreadydisenchantment,stronglysecurity perceptibleasof inmodern the andpastMalaise life.in the fewlate Yetvague decades. nineteenthis it a has consequencecomplaints neverThe century inchoate been and of artfeltthe forebodings protest,and depersonalizationamong literature the people sensethat have are soof and pennanent in- actsunexpectedofbeen ofvulgarizeddisturbance violencediffused acts toromanticism,into that whichof general violenceis subterraneanwhole consciousness. a on Weltschmerznations the part but can ofexplosive. be There thein brought per individual theypetuum, The are function intermittentindices and a sickly the as of similar a thissense kind and whateverthemodernunderground individual islife wrong but torment. lives also (even in Thestrongly aVaguely sortif agitator it ofwere convincedeternal sensing gravitatespossible adolescent that that to somethingtoward discoverhe lacksuneasiness. malaise thewhathas power gone islike wrong), astrayato fly right to in dung. He does not grovelsillusionblink inthat it, thishe relishes is the best it, heof distortsall possible and deepensworlds. and its existence as so many liberals do; be finds PROPHETS OF DECEIT On the contrary,no he comfort in the exaggerates the doubtthisthemalaise externalparanoiac with to the relation world. point,point toFor Thewhereit thoseis onceprevalenceripe it universal becomes forthe his agitator's ministrations.of beliefsalmost malaise audience that in bound recent has beendecades is reflected a paranoiac relationship to western society in growing driven to ofmanReligionjustifiedtogether.* deepening and eventheis Religion, proposed world,one's by its spiritual mostbutthe not ascentral zealousas a experience, ameans transcendent chord defenders of ofweathering revelation the stormsof the of life, or of preservingwestern social society, order, oris today often on grounds of expediency. nature of or maximandtodaycomfort.of warding beyond asno "honesty commonlyA off similarthe anxiety. need is development accepted—commonlythe for Itsbest discussion—moral claim policy" tomay acceptance is be itself acceptedfound values.striking is in that morality. Such evidence There of the as a matter of course it offers spiritual a pragmatic are buteconomicdisintegration in his "dream concepts: of lifemoral the axioms.businessman And stillmuch believes the in fair competition, . . . the sure fix is replacing the open market."f same is also true for thatcoerciveinternalizedhave storm become force the sources sogates and hollow against of of Asthe thatauthority. apsyche itresult, theyis arrayed cannot seekingthe Now old a servephalanx authoritybeliefs,outlets of evenof standsgratification. repressed when openly preserved impulses as ritualistic fetishes, as spurs to conscience or as a malaise,accordinglythey are projectedthis assume is due through notthatWhen, only if somethe tofor audience the apparentlywhatever inherent is notreasons, unrelated complexity aware direct of materials. the of expression these We of feelings is inhibited, causes of the causes, may pulses;reliefsanctionsreluctancebut ofchiefly but the immediate to simultaneouslymalaise struggleto unconscious throughresentments against he discharge seeminglyinhibitions, perpetuates and seemingly of superior thewhich the audience's malaise pavesprobablyforces. theby aggressiveSo blockingoriginate the agitator im- the in way for the a XIII,1947.way toward4, 1946. real understandingj* Mills, C. Wright: of itsCf. "Thecause. competitive personality," Parti.san Horkheimer,Review, Max: Eclipse of Reason, New York, Oxford University p. 436 vol. Press, is malaiseaudiencesupplied remains bydoes the not in audience's the becomeAll background such aware stereotypedutilizations of of agitation, its of rootsprojections malaise thein modernraw are of material possible the society. malaise. of only which The on condition that the SOCIAL MALAISE 19 carriedaudience'ssatisfy.ofInstead a bad along of Hecondition, trying inadequateis by therefore itsto the"natural"go backagitator ideas;not to burdenedcurrent. theirontreats the sources, them contrary, with as theto needs treat taskhe thatcanthem of hecorrectinglet as promiseshimself symptoms the beto CHAPTER IX to and different fromThe his followers—similardemocratic leader usuallyin that he tries has to common present -inter- himself as both similar SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR thoseests with interests. them, Thedifferent agitator in thattries he to hasmaintain special the talents same forsort representing of relation- - offolk,terestsship proximity who with thinks, those and intimacyoflives Thehis and followers,nature takesfeels of thelike thehe place them.depictsdifference of In himselfidentification toagitation betweenhis audiences, as onethis leader of ofsuggestion interests. the but and plain instead follower of isemphasizing similarly the identity of his in- mantraditionalonmorallychanged. the and suggestion superior theAlthough American rugged to ofhis thesymbols frontiersman,his audience, agitator innate of leadershippredestination.he intimates restsbut thesehis as thatclaim theare heHe indefatigableovershadowedto is doesleadership intellectually resort business-primarily to by such andthe hisimage sacrifices, he constructs deserves of himselfspecial privilegesas a suffering and martyr unlimited who, ascendancy as a reward over for - reassuringlytargetahimselfhis mysterious of as persecution. their close,inner pre-chosen call,he is One andyet leader—pre-chosen infinitelypre-chosenof the plain aloof.followers. as folk, well he byby is Thethehimself yet enemy agitator far on above as the isa basisfavoritenot them; chosen of by his followers but presents pressHetheirof reasons, does publicagents, not from appeals, dependbut thrustingdoesWhile onthe the a agitator "build-up" job theirspokesmen himself. own does personalitiesmanufactured notHefor couldhesitateliberal hardly intoand to by advertise radicalthe subordinatestrust foreground anyone causes himself. elseand refrain,of for a variety hasopenlyheto nothing paintdoes displaying hisnot to self-imagehide,seem whose tohis be private in inhibitedeffusiveness such life glowing andby considerationsand his colors. garrulousnessopinions As aboutthe of good goodknow himself. fellow tasteno limit, from who ii8 agitatoraspires to seems be the to spokesman realizeThis almostdirectness for thoseintuitively of suffering self-expression that fromobjective social is particularlyargumentation malaise. The suitable for one who SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR 119 antheyisolation,and ersatz long impersonal to andescape. distrust discourse Such from a gleefulwould which onlydisplay his intensifylisteners of his sufferpersonalitythe feelings and from servesof despair, which as assertion of individuality. Part of the secret of his charisma as a butenjoyfollowers.leader because it at is second Ifthat ofthey theirhe removearepresents inhibitions deprivedThose in the theirwho imageof and leader.suchsuffer lack of a afromblessing, ofself-sufficient opportunities malaise then always at personality least they want they seldom tocanto pourhis their hearts out, himselfments,succeed.basesunderstandings" they the hisConceiving wantagitatorown onlyoutpouring which vicariouslyof a theirchance others troubles of to havepersonalgratifies be "understood," aboutas individual histroubles. them. followers' On andto When thisclear inner wish need heup maladjust- to thetalksthe tell "mis-agitator aboutthe hissinceredesireworld successes of loquacity of his their followersalso troubles. strengthenstheirs.By endlessly Through seeminglyHe hislends rapport himto an takingcomplain, theyaura with live.hisof them. sanctionlisteners and Histhus andinto trials his validityhis seemingly are confidence theirs, to the and talking "man ternsthingstheiranyto man" fear institutionalizedof out their tothey forthem, lives. maythem, the Thehave not agitator ways enemy athat subversive of he achieves oflife. isall talkingHe established who isstill the abovewould another elder values, theirdestroy brother purpose: headsthe thespokesmanstraightening heorbasic againstdispels pat- of hisheBlendinga familythe whineshumility apocalypse, partyprotestations and also boasts in afford andorder at the oftheto to his carrierbe samespread weaknessequally time.of hisdisaffection frank Cannot doctrinewith about intimations one creates thehis who superiority?more is theof so hiseffectively.atmosphere frank strength, about of alwayskeyone coveringasestablishing aemerges bullet-proof his victorious familiarityhim martyrTheas a agitator'sover"great and who his the little despiteenemies. references other man," his aloofness,andextraordinaryto himself the other thusone in sufferingsinfall aa majorintominor two groups or themes: 120 THEME 20: GREAT LITTLE MAN PROPHETS OF DECEIT theisgoal, throughalways great "go mass eagerto the the depressionof topeople," American showUnlike that thelike citizens. sociallyagitator thosemost idealists of"I he the is people."1almost who, sacrificingindistinguishable Like millions comfort of from in other behalf of comes fromam the an people; underdog in fact, who hehas suffered a lofty social Americanwhoseclearloving,Americans, that appleparents he born. he cideris iswereone I"one menthink of American of theand that's[those] endogamic women."2 far bornplain enough Yetandoldelite, he time,whoseback."3 "anis always stumpAmerican-born parents' There carefulgrubbing, isparents libertycitizen no dangerto make it were fullybetothat remainin anyone admits,the limelight, one will does and discover notenjoyfor Notevenhe theis heonly "anknow pleasureshad old-fashionedis anhishe impure one"way of ofprivate around thegrandmother. American" people, existence. in the but who,circles Hehis he hatesmost of cheer- high ardentto wish is always PREFERRED.publishhobby:sciencesociety The "Ifdidn'tat Cross weWashington."4 In hadtell myand hima freesparethe otherwise, Flag.press time If itin I'd wereAmerica he'd play reallyspend golf."5 I doubt upall Even tohis if him Geraldtime when and Smithhe if finallyhis would I am sure I wouldn't publish AMERICA on his favorite con- thereceiveddoes consent seek the ofoffice, mypermission Christian it is only of mother after his parents: a heart-rendingand father, ". because conflict and after he has . . first, I would have to get years ago I had tongetproudlywhenpromised Parktime he tells Chaptercanoutthem histoescape that attend listeners of I thewouldfrom the Indoor about hisannualnot duties seekSports it: "Well,carnival office."6 for Club."7 a friends, few and And minutes bazaar Lulu and ofof relaxation, theI managed Hunting- he on those rare occasions to itsheofambiguous. Americansintimates,behalf must By ishe his ahave smuggles bother,very Evensome protestations and in atgood hintsthiswhoever ratherreason of that his deserts heuncomplicated exceptionalfor is quitedoing his theprivate so. status. levelBy pleasures constantlyPublic of identification life, in the agitator is same as the mass burdens,oneunusualpublicapologizing of thelife, responsibilitiesthen plain the for it agitatorpeople,hismust abandonment surely suchsuggests that be asare becausehe, limited thatof gains private there of accessto his arethe life unusual specialuniquely toand such his talents. provincesprivileges absorption endowed. He andhas inIf embarked on a difficult task for which he is specially SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR qualified, and there- 121 gentlewhoforeA GENTLEhishas soul—folksy, followers risen SourS. out ofowe good-natured, the him common gratitude, golden-hearted.people, admiration, the and Although he is, by virtue of his special talents, agitator remains a kindly, obedience. a man ushold hate any hate."8 malice Nor against is he any "the fellow kind ofhuman person being, who forcarries "if hatred . . Far be it from him to we must hate, let or bitter- children,rightness intofor and anythe in face lengtha moment of Like seemingof time of all difficulty otherdisaster."9 Americans, appeals heI ishave never lost my sense of humor, . In a good and solicitousspite father of to all his I have gone through my ability to laugh, even insecond-handGetfor his help:in role touch "Myas bicyclemodelwith son, me, husband. very9 yearsplease, cheap."1° Heold, if regales is But pestering hishis virtuesaudience with bits of anyone knows where I could obtain a touchinglyme, wantingto his friends a bicycle.come out most clearly intimate gainedlapwifewould-befamily on is dialogue:whichaboutthe dictator, boss 25to atsitpounds"I does home: saidand not one chewduring "If hesitate day I don't theto to pastlook admit six out that months, I'll the be little,looking she gum. Well, Lulu's the boss and, having my sweet wife."11 And even he, the or nothas so plentylittle, of for a boss' nacle."13him:lapSioux on "A which City,few And weeksto Iowa, when sit."12 agoholding heAs wishesfound he meetingsmakes Mrs.to theWinrod in rounds the Billyand of hisSunday meetings, Memorial his faithful wife express his gratitude to his followers, me spending Sunday at accompanies Taber- lifesoare itfar very thatis again hegrateful offers as the for family gentle the prayerful pictures soul, the forletters, faithful sale: kind "How family words, and . •" So sweet and lovable are both his personality and his family manyman: have "The received wife and 1. I sums remitted troubles,TROUBLESspeech'?"15Calendar about SHARED.of Mrs. which Smith, he speaks me and to Jerry?complete 2. A One of the agitator's favorite themes is his economic strangers with perfect ease:copy of my 'undelivered nothingcarryhave; onI lefthave this to surrenderedsell.'6fight. I willI must everynot confidebe possession able toto youborrow I withoutbad anyin this reservationmore world money; in I have . . . I have spent everything I order to ment:hasstake."17 embarked And on still"a gamble anotherAnother with offers agitator the the security audiencecomplains of my a detailedthat wife by and engagingfinancial children state-in at political activity he PROPHETS OF DECEIT securities,in outstanding although bills accruedI haveThe paidtaxes since light, on I mystopped phone Kenilworth depletingand groceries home my are few unpaid remaining and there are some $1800 . . . his [her legaltocontinuinghusband's] sleep steps in totorefusalmy protectspend own to this bed thegive The incomefamily.'8at us my agitatorany farm, while of the finally isassociating milk just checkmadeas frank with itincome necessary about the womanfrom the to mycondition hetake farm, brought some his of his health as about doesn'tmenSmith,thathis financial cause like 'Howbother that him or does go—theyto him,marital commiserate this his contretemps.old goteeth allheart withdo:of aof "The himself:sudden."19 mineWe last find keep "I time himcome Andup?'. Imaking saw homeeven Charlie whenandgreat say sacrifices hisHudson, to heart Mrs. .. But I know how work:wifehe still takes had roomers."2° been unable MyHis to dentistafflications afford informed to get threatened needed me I must todental handicap have work four his done. teeth political Hisremoved at once. I don't finances,beenthemind teeth drawingthat have sothe much old-age agitatorbeen as extracted, Ipension dotriesBy the multiplying to fact forand create fortythat sound I anyears may likesuchatmosphere comeor a more.2'dearreferences on old the of gentlemanair homey tomorrow,to his intimacy. family,who after has his health, and his oftheThis similarity device has between immediate, agitator"human gratifying and audience,interest" implications. provide and the emotionalTheintimate personal revelations compensation touch, for those whose life - Itsatisfyatomizedis coldmay their andbe existence. due dreary,curiosity—a to the especially Equallyprevalent universal gratifyingfor feeling thosefeature whoto thatof listeners contemporary must one livehas may ato beroutinized havemass the fact "insideculture. that and such revelations help thedesiresciousininformation" modern listener closelyinfantile society. is thattreatedrelated desire comes Perhaps, asto thatanglimpse"from insidertoo, of therevealingthis the hishorse's curiosityforbidden libido and mouth" is isenjoying life gratified,derived ofin theorder scandals.from grown-ups—a and to an itget mattersuncon- Whenalong little to him whether he hears revelations about crimes and orgies sup- SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR 123 Punucknow."agitator'sposedly PnIvAcY. indulged wife. He Whenin hasby the thebeen enemy agitator allowed or indulges about to become the in increase his one uninhibited ofin weightthose displays "in of the inspection.implylence.publicof domesticity ipsoHisfigure. lyrical This This and gesture paeans factintimacy, endows hasin praise thehe hisdoes double ofbehavior sothe notmeaning pleasures aswith a private considerableof of an private invasionperson existence ambiva-but of as the a facto a degrading of this privacy when he exposes it to public discussion.longertwoprivateagitator's is made possiblelife. private In to this seem in lifewaythis obsolete byharshthe his traditional social publicand in world—except anylifeliberal caseand differentiation ofuntenable. his as public a topic Privacy between life of bypublic is thehisno otherhissymbolizesstature identity kinds as a publicofthewith failures, repressed the figure, audienceFinally, but who,individualities he alsotheseitby has telling underlines revelationsalready of it hisof been thehis adherents. of factfinancialsuggested, private of his He life troubles success. vicariouslyestablishes serve to andHe enhance the agitator's longings,followerspersonalities.inhas contrast risen thefromand to agitator Thethem,are the theyproof depths hecenters not hasof listeninginthis managed all which isattention simple to the tohim? followersonintegrateenough—is himself,As a symbol hisstill and he public find notsoon of talkinghisthemselves; andhis followers' listeners private to the attemptpicturesformay leadership. forget athimself self-exaltation. that heas allis discussing,tooThat human,By the the agitator verynotdoes factnot simultaneously impairthat he theadmits effectiveness stresseshis weaknesses his of ownhis weakness, that he public issues, but his qualifications whilelittletolesser the stressing man. extent,public hisbecomemovement. powers, strong he They impliesonce need they that but surrender the followers their tooprivate can, existence if to a follow the path of the great fellow men, what areAside the qualities from his that remarkable distinguish thereadiness great little to shareman from his troubles with his THEME 21: BULLET-PROOF MARTYR the124 rest of the plain folk and make him fit PROPHETS OF DECEIT to be one of "those . . . who declareinsistenceChristianthoughlead"?22 thethat Herehumility thatagitator he againheis anis calls onehardlyexceptionallythe himselfagitatorof the is giftedready one of his outstanding virtues. For all hiscommon folk,an old-fashioned he does not hesitate Christian to American, to answerman the who question. knows Al-and even himselfdoing.suchadmires matters but As his also he own is has todue talent. the emphasized, not factThat merely that he hishasto his his prominenceno naturalquite difficulty human inclination in overcoming conventional is readinessnot merely to histalk own about reticenceis not toabout lead shoulders.outBothstrongerhumanity: by because the and enemy,he more of would his imperiousthe innate rather mantle dynamism playthan of leadership, hisgolf. and But because helike it he has own will push him to leadership. cannot help it—forces or not, falls on his been singled thoughtsganizedcommand,Trr INNER and that theCALL. helpless you agitator have masses."23 speaks been talking of himself Be about is "giving around Suggesting that his activity is prompted by sacred as the "voice of the great unor- vocal expression to theyour family tables."24 ofdownAsis "livingButthe such, the"Divineit also theCrownjust comesagitator for Savior."27 of the Thornsfrom sweetdoes holier not onprivilege me."26hesitate regions: ofHe to being"Like John the Baptist," sees comparehimself continuing himself to the Christ: work "Put a voice in the wilderness."25 the agitator partially;nottator claim does he tonot doesmake pretend not his claim But toaudience bring for to all raiseany hisaware startlingly thesuggestions oflevel of theirthat he, has a divine responsibility athe reality agi- that they see only new revelation. He does consciousness. All havesayslicly."29sayhe does it."28 ofever another, is And hadWhatto "say foron he"others Christianthiswhat delivered purpose you think statesmanship."3° all what hewant iswas specially to "perhaps talented: the greatest address . . . privately," say and haven't got the guts to the agitator says "pub- as one agitator we truth."31thatregard some to Nothing consequences: people can won'tLike "halt "Ialike, andnew undo butLuther, I the cannot innermosthe bellows help convictions it,defiance of of established am going to say some things this afternoon I must speak the powers without stalwart "Nevertheless,Sons of Aryan blood,"32 there I will not standeven thedemanding ingratitude social of those justice who for spurn all evenhim: SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR 125 takethough a pot-shot some of at the me ill-advisedfromNor the rear."33 whom I am endeavoring to defendis the will agitator's courage purely spiritual: - Thenepotists.34haveusurpers agitator,never of dreamedAmerican aware possibleof Ifliberties, both the Gentiles his they qualifications areof the going nation toand get back his a "break"upcourage, Pelley that knowsnow they in his challenge to the till Pelley showed the spunk to defy the thethat American way ofWhen life, Ithe am history going ofto Americabe thankful is written that in . the day when . . concerning the preservation of menGod,Geraldatheiststhemselves were Christian L.cowardly and K. to anti-God American!85Smith be bulldozedand that overcautious politicians, had by the a bunchcourage andthat crawled ofthere towire-whiskered be was underan oneold-fashioned, the man bed Communists by and the allowed honest name and ofto time—thedegreessmaller belowmatters place zero—twenty was as well:packedWhenAnd the andI wentdegrees agitator every to theinch knows Auditorium,first of standing time, too five that roomalthough degrees his was courage it taken.the was second veryIextends had cold, to probably somewhat five Crownto approachRedspass through andof Thornsenemies to composinga picket ofand ourIt line,the ismeeting thishis toothacheone sell-portrait blending of there.36 those that vicious of characterizesas seriousness well picket as tolines theand the organized other unseriousness,agitator's themes by of the sublime uphardshipsof appear hisinto speeches one. blasphemous and theand prophet writings. Suchor simply ofan He truth:indiscriminate isdisgusting, both Walter the littlebut Mitty mixture the man andagitator suffering of Jeremiah trivial seems the and rolledto usual sublimecount symbols might drum,to gratifiesdifficultonfeel a kleinburgerlich differentthat taskthem they of bykind too following dragging mustof level. reaction. assume a Thethe saint, loftyfollowers Instead somea tasknotions ofwhich thereby imposingthe of sainthoodmighttraits are ofonofferedafter sainthood, hisdown all listeners ancause to object a hum-themhe the 126 PROPHETS OF DECEIT cissisticonownof admiration,them. level outbursts of feeling the of image self-praise. andThere of perception. theis still Adesanctified courageous another The gratificationagitator saint, and self-reliant that imposes for the audience in the is closer to their agitator's nar- no strain Asdenialrepositorybe a disgustedleading and of self-hatredpsychoanalyst allwith the the manly are spectacle paradoxically virtues,puts it: of but"This people attracted narcissistic who by behavior someone celebrating himself as the are acclimated to self-the selfish narcissist. man might which personalities.turnsonreadinessgives theto thethose support fordependent who identification."* of constantly people persons capable yearn noAccordingly, hope offor self-criticism magicalfor the aidsagitator orto self-reliance;buttress does he any real love arouses their not count their sufferingsstrikingappealsPERSECUThD tocontrast ofsocial INNOCENCE. his listeners frustrationbetween as the a and social vagueness suffering, group withand but the inwhich hisvividness he with Like any advocate of social change the agitator output there is a refers to the which icantplaintstrulyinhe tangibledocuments reflections of his hardship followers his of personal his in gloriousseem him trials. merelyand misfortunes.He him speaks to alone.refer He His is trialsthe chosen andextraordinary, almost superhuman, and by as though the tomalaise minor resulted nuisances, insignif- comparison the corn- ordeals are martyr of = religiousbattlecannota great between cause—himself.but symbols. feel the that Heforces they"hasIn Asbuilding of are theyevil almost andcompare up theirthis like image their safe lot of topersecuted his, the followers innocence, the come through the most heart-rending Geth- own champion of virtue. spectators watching a agitator uses notsemane, hesitate I tobelieve, compare of any himself living to man the inearly America Christian today,"37 and he does . . . martyrs: "Many thumbsChristianleaders down Fronters, on the Christian asBut did the slave Patrician martyrs population these religious associations are only decorations for sneered at Father Coughlin and turned thumbs down •"38 of Rome turn their on the 1945,runsare into p.strictly 1O. a difficulty. secular;° Inthe actual agitator's fact,Fenichel, sufferings he has met are with of thislittle world. interference Here he 0.: The Psychoanalytical Theory of Neurosis, New York, ordeals that Norton, from the public authorities. Yet he realizes that as a man with a mission, SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR 127 befuturehe surprisedmust will, be forpersecuted. at anything.who is Ito don't If Ifdeny theI amknow pasthim thrown whatthewill right inyieldis jail,going to no premonitions: toevidence, happen to perhaps me. All the I ask you to do is, don't if I am indicted, if I am attempted.surprisedsmeared, atif. Ianything, am hurt becausephysically, everything no matter in thewhat calendar it might be, don't be . . I am glad to make that sacrifice.39 is now being theinforcetions darkness people himto which to liketo the the he amost bootlegger."4°printeris subjected surreptitiousOne to reasonhave is himthatHe behavior:why is printhis besetthe enemies my agitator "I, by booklet an vague American,work has and dangersdifficulty in to secret. mustget thatit in sneakTheyout specifyingare to the persecu- home'Twootherdifficult Jewsalive."41newspaperman, to from pin down: England But"Oneis weresaid when of toover these thehave hereagitator newspapermen, predicted to see gets that downsomewhat Hudson toaccording bedrock, doesas follows: not to it becomesan-get clear that what gress"intimidation."he most resents is He public complains criticism, that which "Jewish he describes New-Dealers as "smearing" in. the Con- and . . started a mighty ball rolling to smear Pelley from the scene."42 concentrationWalterwetryingAnd have "because to Winchell getheard mecamps."44 I dareit off andprophesied theto others,raise air."43 my thatover Norvoice we the does foreignerswere radio he aboutfeel by aresuchhappy to intimidating be noble thatincarcerated "frequentlypatriots me and asin forsummonA SLIcwrabates,dangerous all it isCASE foras worth. wehiscareer OF shallmartyrdom, MuimEn.He and seecontinually that in hetracing the is agitator,actually suggests it during riskingit mustthat the he coursehisbe has admitted,life. embarked of The one threat works agitator's on never ita However insubstantial the evidence he can signed.statements Like over his politicala periodAs boss, of early twelve who as October,was years. assassinated, 1986, he ". realized that his death warrant had been . . it may cost my andvictedfourlife."45 criticism. hours as anAnd enemyhere not in withoutagent, New* the York reason: American City."46 "Ten agitatorsExcept threats have came suffered to meonly within from exposures twenty- for those involved in the wartime sedition trial and one agitator con- I 28 PROPHETS OF DECEIT continued to receive allByThree sorts years of threats later againstthese threats of murder were still harassing him: "I my life . . Senate."48outputicakeep who him more wouldOther out objectionable of murderers,rather the Senate. commit thanor "I perhaps am murderthe convinced possibility the than see that of his there becoming1942 the rather slow-working murderers had adefinite objective: same ones, found his literary me in the United States are men in Amer- a Senator: to tion."5°setarticles."49"I have of ruthless Thebeen murderers warnedmen in Halfthis thatseem nation a I year finallywill havepasses, not to actuallylivehave and toworked the complete called enemy for is this still intent on murder. "A certain up enough energy my assassina- series of or courage to come withinI held striking a meeting distance: down in Akron, Ohio, one time and . . . . walkedthe afternoon from the ofhotel the over meeting to this place which seated about 6,000 people I had to walk into that armory alone my. Committee resigned. . . I this,centerand "There aisle,when are walkedI got men over inright this Yetthere, up room evento the the who placethen microphone would therewas like packed is toand no therecord first thingof the I saidmurderers doing see me killed tonight"... I walked down the anything. alone, was theymeetingevenTwoagitator were moreconfirmed I received convincednoted years thatby went a policemessage thatthe by therethreat andauthorities: from was byto histhe life policespring "Shortly had detectives ofbecome 1945before theto the the still endeffect healthy of the a definite plot to do me great injury, so real that it was that thekilledwhatperhaps summeragitator is at going killthe ofme."52remainsearliest on the are same Nothingpossible convincedalive year and seemsthemoment."53 unharmed, that agitator to have reported As of the that a plan is on foot to actually get me nevercome ofhaving that danger,once been but the by moment of writing,"people who know seemmeanstainedvictim to of disturb "arsenicofthat assault he the poisoning."54was or agitator: assassination. Thatthe object he he has persists of noAs genuine late in believing factual that data an toevil support force ishis charges an attempt on his life, this time by as April 29, 1948, he still main- does not sinceparanoiac'sletters—allout to it get is itselfhim. conviction this Hisextralogical. adds recital that up of tohe In fears, theisagitation persecuted familiarsmearing, the leaderpicturecannot premonitions, acts be of logically Qut? as it were, a paranoia. The anonymous refuted themysteriousowncomplete agitator inclinations case forceswho history remains tois thusregard of sanctionedpersecutionat themselvesthe center and mania of as encouraged. the the before stage; target hisit ofNeverthelessis listeners, persecution by SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR on him that all whose it is 129 exactsluteamongthethe burdensdevotion imaginary thehis followers,heaviest of as social enemyrecompense penalty which suffering, blows hefrom forfall. can hishehim, Bylater self-sacrifice.creates symbolically he exploit has unconscious the by implicitdemanding Andtaking since rightguilt theirthe tofeelings claimabso- upon himself all enemy portraitreprisals.singlesthe highest himas All benefitsmartyr. out of for these oncepersecution,But consequences the simultaneously enemy he is has defeated. follow the theright Similarly,from agitator, to the sinceagitator'sfor all the the dangers to which he is engage in terroristic enemy self- hevindicated.equippedtheexposed, deserves martyr does special thanbut manage also his obedience. the to remarkably survive Since and he efficient continue is both leader, morehis work. exposed and He is and better followers, his claims to leadership are doubly on both counts not merely tainty.lowers'movement.Timpresent MoNx'-MiKDn Infinancial stageany To event at whatcontributions least, he MARn11.extent Americandoes the notit isThere agitator accountagitationdifficult are actually toformanyis saya theracket withindications use depends as of well the onthat,as his fol- any degree of cer- moneya political he at its theirthesubsidizedcollects. smaller devotion It seemsby fry anonymousto make theprobable cause aWhen living wealthy thatby the leadingby at agitator sellingleast donors, them some theirappeals while to agitators literature.make it to is hisfinancialknown have followers been that sacrifices. heavily for money, he strengthens some of offollowerthanIn agitationthe in agitator's other has such nomovements. preciseappeal psychological isidea oneFor what ofit factors mustdestruction his because are remembered probably is, and that violence, the of that greaterwhole inwith agitation backgroundimportance a meager the thecommonhesitatehisminimum inflatedquarters toAmerican of act personalitypositiveand the dollars citizen,insistent stimuli. andof friends, friends beggar.hisWhat pressing poor remainsand He inradio begs needs.the then world's listeners."55meekly: is The the gifts, agitator "Oh, depending But I'mhimself—does he just also on not a begs for himself as the agent of history: "It is a long grind to get the PROPHETS OF DECEIT rostrums?"57aiditthousands must NOW—when be doneof dollars if the revolution absolutely fightHe begs is to foritselfnecessarygo aid,on."56 is but being as"Why he a also minimumshouted hold warns back from inthat yourthis thoseour way.financial public who But do not come through themselves.dreadedforofnow America you may topenalty live get First toup ofandregret and exclusion—they don't walk it: care"If out."58 any to contributeof Those haveyou don't to who towalk ouragree do outcause, not with and comply this bethe alone isprinciples theface withtime the financialMAGIC OF handicapsSURVIVAL. and political persecution arouses the agitator's self- . That he has managed to survive under terrible plotthatonlyforcesadmiration. hehatchedslightly arrayed has gone". shortagainst to throughsmash of miraculous.him him?"59 dangers, by English His His and invulnerability safetyJews, as he is,heconcludes inremarks fact, is remarkable adduced his with report a asnote andof proof the ofis . How could he emerge unscathed with such colossal defianceto him inprotected his voice: by "Ian arrived anonymous safely providence: Sunday night."6° ". His life seems . . . . . Pelley is an abso- thelute work fatalist which he came into life at this particular period to do!"6' And he he believes that iwthing can harm him until he has done . . . toss tohave tionalwayssoar been areto newreturns tremendous:thrown heights to around the to "Ifight: carry speakme ."Ion twointend the hoursbattle."52 to here Forand his two powers hours ofthere, exer- and . . to spread my wings again off the shackles that . . . and towrite anddo what all night lies before and talk me."68 all day to people and write. letters and. work . and everything else, and still I always seem to have the strength ploitsreducedhisnarcissist slightly of tothe naturally aridiculous herolevel ofthat believes a posturingsSeen movieis within from himself or atheir only onecheap invulnerable vision.endearperspective, novel, Likehim the totheand agitator'sall his extraordinary omnipotent,this audience. bragging adventure He andex- is rather harmless. A theagitatorrelapseends company on intoanhimself, ultimately an M adolescent a draw heroAnd happy awho certainyet atmosphere, issomewherenote—the not simple too heroic hero gratification.thein the followers,is to intersticessaved. be akin TheyFrom together to of them. havethis harmlesswith been the in braggadocio there portraitlurk the ofgrimmer miraculous notes survival of violence has anda solid destruction. reality basis; The agitator'she really doesself- SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR 131 theyhisdenunciationssecretlyenjoy enemies would a high protected—and not degreedo of wantnot the ofcarry powers toimpunity. but this out because thatdespite their He be isthreats or they hissafe of verbal somedoand of not murder,sound, ofviolence dare. the magically powersTheirit isand not power, scurrilousthat immune,because be. the If truewhenhaveagitator weakness, onlythe thereby hour the façadestrikes thesuggests, agitator ofandBehind power. theis ratherwill seeminglythis Real take defiance less power revenge impressive strong of is the onforenemy enemy'shis thanthe side. istorments ft revealed appears; threats of lurksin theyfear his another suggestion: helplesstheimplicitlythat enemy haveas the bodies beendeveloping asagitator a imposedof Low the continually enemy—thoseaAnimal. complementary on him. His Perhaps stresses own parasitical image body it his is not to isownand hisindestructible, too disease-breeding bodilyleading bold to vigor,metaphor conjecture but he lowthe ofis sure;visiontheanimals—are triumphant he of isthe a eugenic martyrdoomed self-admiration stormwho to destruction. suffers troops. of Theendlessly;this Behind agitatorindestructible the he is whining survivesa good martyr littlecomplaints by looms guy,virtue to and thebe of lums:OftenTOUGHsuperior he Guy.does destinies; itThe with agitator butthe inair knowsthe of longa youthful that run sometimes he gang makes leader he sure must testing to bareprotect his his himself.hood-teeth. menbones that on rebuiltthe desert San had Francisco SuchIreal am sons. going vague after I amto anticipationsthe test going earthquake my to people. find of outare theI am if agitator'sthe going children to futuresee of if the the role fathers are supplemented that left their real men.°4 bitswashbuckler.Ievenwith have afraid moreif got he tothe isdirect walka goods "Theygreat hints the on littlecan streets aboutthem."65 threaten man. hisof "I New Thepresent meam alleasy-going aYork tough they strength. all want guy. by braggart to.myself.He I meansam is not Ialso don't business,a damneda brutalhave I am tough because plant."°7haveto.Group' I have to sneak theprotect toughest in methe whenmendarkThe bodyguard,in toI Newtake his printer:myYork printedhowever, with "Huskies me."6° booklets is used Nor of from mynotdoes merely'American thehe always printer's against the enemy. The tohim sameparticipate. 132from bodyguard any interferenceWhen that he protectsspeaks, from histhe listeners:leader from their the role enemy also PROPHETS OF DECEIT you had better listen—or else. In this is to listen, not protects arewayThe not the agitatorgoing agitator to bragshave already any aboutSo disturbance, establishesas this: we moved we himself down are not through as going theto be middle heckled of theand meetingthe I said, a constituted authority. "Now, we ofwindow." andfirstthe window.68 somebodyman So who one fellowdidn'tattempts understand likeIt that, isthis in boy,this what atmosphere, he said and in hewhich we will throw him out through the nearest even the followersway up are in threatened the balcony with said something was almost pitched out gramdevice:manhandling to theSenator totalitarian if theyReynolds step plebiscite. out of line, "Do that the agitator . . . put up your hands . you authorize me to send a tele- . . Alltests out a future right, that is asthemselvesthat exceptnumberthe flag. sole Givewhen one."69 triviallegitimate that told enough, Hea to hand."T° feeds speakvoice but them upto theySuch whichin cues: unison. presentiments everyone"I bid for the mustof theAmerican listen in silence serve to emphasize the agitator's role plebiscite are in vote under tohighlysomethingINsIDE reveal. KNOWLEDGE.important He of quotes a terroristinformation, mysterious to boot, the "sources" but he alsothat ,enabledhas him "to Not only is the agitator physically powerful and source of which he is most careful not access to secret and correctly meansconcerningofbonafidediagnose these he manages confidential the8 years underground to ago penetrate instructions that science."T2the into 1940 whichthe presidential heart By ofmiraculous the electionenemy but fortress where . . ." He claims that "there has fallen into came out from New York City my hands a copy would not be unspecified withinhis sharp secret ears circles hear the confidencesOn that "Zionists in other occasions the agitator can offer only promises of . . ." America whispered revelations to sionalrunhavespiracy."74come: cold, had secrecy:"I ifsomeshall I Or could tryexperienceshis telltoinformation keep you what youin the ispostedthey toolast were."75 horrible concerning Orto disclose:he the is bound diabolical "I by profes- year that would make your blood personally con- inform: ". Two contacts, best unnamed on account of nature of information . . believes that he has discovered the hdqtrs. of what seems to be divulged, Grand Orient Masonsy. SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE AGITATOR . . uptown in New York City. A building in the middle 133 placehouses.aithoaof high a large accesswhich barbed A block, large iscould wireguarded surroundedtelephone be fence had night undergroundaround cable,by and apartment dayit. sufficient No by from onearmed houses; isonefor everguards. over orin moreseena sort100 to of oflines, enter thecourtyard, surrounding goes this place,to with the harmlessagitatorimportantto ingratiate uses promise information. this himself technique to divulgeThe withSome agitator of his secrets.innuendoday listeners theuses Helisteners thein by withholdsways language promising willother be informationof than "lettheman theadolescent in." some relatively But in highly thethe gang leader. He seeks inaccessiblemore"forbiddenthevery existence gesture affected fruit." byto of bythem.which secrets; Thosethe Tofacthe theaffected seemslisten that secrets totheto by innuendogive agitator themselvesthe it promise out. hasand He access totoreveals relybe "let toon not informationin"deliberately secrets but are another variety of are even superfluousdependence"sources"directsvague statements towards of ofby his hisrevealing knowledge,requireshis followers. own hisa person.certain Unlikemethods the agitator readiness Sothe of longeducator, gaining can to as continuebelieve, he knowledge.he does which to not command Hethereveal remains agitator the never makes himself tothatimpliesthe smell magical thing an so isever master.highreally present that going anyThis threat to man secretcome from that knowledge,out, which is andconnected no when like it hiswithcomes toughness, them, out it with is is going that one is quite safe: "Some day a two-edged weapon. It writtenoutfit, will a letter be ashamed containing to saysome that mighty he ever important knew them."77 information which I . . or: "I have paign."78nothave be placed printed in the hands of attorneys in this city. . . . if we arrive home safely at the end of our cam- . The letter will more totalitarianinsistenceIf thanhis self-portrait he says, onpolice, his and "insidewhichas that a Behindtough nothingare knowledge" used guy such canlessanticipates statements ultimatelyagainst anticipates the there remainstormpolitical the is secret trooper, thehidden suggestion files fromthen of histhehim. that he knows enemy, known rules.wantin agitatorany a case,share indicates thanin this as thisracket,a means to his you to followers: havekeep tothe obey getfollowers used its rules—and to in the line. idea Sternly I now,make if the you folkaTUE little134 and Cmuusinc ridiculous. the sanctified Lma. Such leader; Thean absurd self-portrait the headcreature—at of ofa bedraggled the once agitator one family ofmay the seemandplain a PROPHETS OF DECEIT away.usandman that a above dreaded this allapparently avenger materialIn withestablishing ridiculousconsiderations; fists of iron!thisbraggart ambivalent Yeta helpless contemporary cannot imagevictim be merely of ofhistory himself persecution laughed teaches the agitator achieves an thelions.theirtriumphantextremely exceptional; own They frustrations effective overwho their arehis psychological sufferingdetractorsmarginalmagically now suddenly metamorphosedand canresult. persecutors, appear have In him, to a into themprospect the grandiose martyrasadherents a gloriousof sharingultimately gratifica- see trial, all in andtoexistenceThetheir his frustration agitatoranonymity appeals; of his finds he can followersand shows be theservitude lit promisethem upwhich into ashow hadstationsa of magnificentall drivenall the theseon accumulated themthe glories fireworks,road to listen to instufffame sympatheticallythat how ofand humdrum repressionthe mastery. refuse manthemes,destruction.of daily acting whichdrudgery as leader.prepare can ThebeTaking the converted self-portraitaudience advantage intofor of thea theofhigh spectacle all agitator explosivethe weaknesses ofis thusthe of great pervasivea culmination of little the of all his other theirbundlesdangerousmentpresent inner and social of helplessness,enemiesvoicereactive order, of responses. andconsciencethe agitatorreduces terrifies He is intensifiestheir replacedthemdrives already with them hisby thecrumblingan listeners'into externalizedspecter a moral sense individualities of void innumerable of conscience: bewilder- in which to viduality.toryHeworld,the comfortsagitator and the becomes Theycenter himself. the livesufferers around the throughHe exterior becomes ofwhich malaise, him. replacement the the faithful takesindispensable over canof theirthe gather responsibility guide disintegrated and in finda confused safety.of mdi- his- WHAT THE LISTENER HEARD CHAPTER X liberalism,with contemporary and negated society.In the Europe, democratic They Hitler explicitly way and ofrepudiatedMussolini life in favor openlycapitalism of advocated and a radical break a system poratenamedistortedresortedbased National onelements both versioncharismatic to Socialist a of ofglorffied ideologiescontemporary leadership. shows evocation howthat Torevolutionary theappealed of make Hitlerthe preliberalistic their movementboth ideologies.ideas to the attractive tried past The to andand incor- they tothe very a tice.breakinfuture. EuropeNazi with totalitarianism served contemporary to Thesemask was the preliberalisticsociety no actual more took meaning feudal place and thanrevolutionaryof only the it movement. onwas the socialist. culturalelements In prac- Its and of the fascist appeal andforideological thesocial needs coercion level; of anthe wereThe industrial old Americanperpetuatedliberalistic war agitator, valuesmachine. and strengthened. were however, Old ruthlessly forms has ofpushedno economic preliberalistic aside tradition on values.heframeworkmaticwhich dares He leadership. tonot fallonly explicitlyof back, liberalism.indirectly He he repudiatedoesworks, and not implicitlyby find establishednecessity it expedient assumes rather morality to thethan pose mantle andchoice, democratic of within charis- the as a socialist, and fromtheperversionence. conveyingexaltation The themesand the ofdestruction the principalpoint leader,Study to ofthe social theofdemocracy, disintegration our reduction tenets themes ofthe totalitarianismofshows rejectionof the existing people that of this institutions,Western to to limitationregimented his audi- values, the does not prevent him robots,obtainingAmerican and the theiragitator solution conscious shows of social orthat unconscious manipulationproblems by adherence terroristic of people to violence. withhis movement a view The to 135 needthe136 notpsychological take the detour attitudes of preliberalism and social concerns or perverted that flow socialism; from the that crisis PROPHETS OF DECEIT resortsocietyademocraticof method liberal to into pseudo-feudal societyof tendencies. thedirectly quack provide converting remedies It or isa pseudo-socialist sufficientlyas though ofthe totalitarianism—he poisons the fertile American labels.generated soil for His agitator the bythemesdoes growth contemporary hadnot could evolvedneedof anti- beto country;manytheNazitransplanted pure-blooded slogans profound but tothecould another changesNordicagitator's be transplanted country—much Aryan before Simple German becoming Americansto America. supermanmore an easily effective couldThe would than mythical be have correspondingusedappeal to notionin undergo inother this of hissimplifiedOnecountries methods is tempted as version ofSimple appeal to sayof Germans, theare Becausethat originalalso the moreor American the Simple Nazi Americanuniversal or French, agitationfascist in agitator scope, appeals.or isSimple a anddispenses standardized Britishers with andetc. such secondary labels, are not bound invectivesnocernsfessionsto anysense or specific situations oflimited thrive Americanism, national canto specific this be foundtraditioncountry: not to America.ain single anyorfor political themodern one The social of feelings situation. industrializedhis abscesses appeals that Despite hereferson society. stirs which his to are pro- his in con- symbolyou tonight, of a stateas I have of mind stoodThe that agitator before exists seemssimilar in America aware groups of allthis over when America, he declares as a that "I stand before . . ." He does not tell slightestfieldskindweus what can of of construct listener. thissocial state maladjustment,production This aof portrait mind listener is, andof butdoes the hisis therefore onstateinsignificant not the directlyof basis mind always of little participateof a hisfearfulstudy job most will of that,in susceptiblehisvanish the giventhemes major and th hewithofshouldquite did uncontrollableit whatwill fathom have vanish was been lifeexpected his circumstances, sohas social unhappy. cheated of status. him. Hehim. Bound Hehe abided becomessenses And and byyet that circumscribed theincreasingly he in rules, wonderssome he bywhy his fate neverway rebelled,aware he cannot of how a series nothingmiracles.forbelievefutile them and inhe hedesperately Heany can is is miraculousfar doon tooaboutthe aimless muchbottom, it. salvations, the his on modernlife the is. foroutside, And man no worst matter really and of he how toall, fears place hemuch can that his he therefaith hopes isin no longer Yet there are others. WHAT THE LISTENER HEARD. . . The intellectuals who talk about ideals and 137 —mostsocietiesbyvalues manipulating of and them in morals, the Jews, future words. whoAnd of andmakecourse—seem Smarteven who more alecks live so, so whoto therecomfortably have paint is beaten that pictures secret in the this ofracket. and wonderful inaccessible a living—and a clean, comfortable living— gang which one. They ourluxuriateslivesof listener successin air-conditioned on admits and yachts, the to dreamthe himselfSometimes penthouses, lucky of thatescape few, openly, in enjoyswho thisfrom tempt world—and more thehis favors himoften with of inwho movie the the can veiledpossibility imagine own grimy and dreary life.areas of his daydreams, stars and comics,ment.Theseadmired.any other?—all Thestandards the It very isradio—provide a places deadly arethat inculcated counts for struggle, which him is insuccess. henotand him goes with those by for Onlyspiritual who relaxation—the the fall refreshmentsuccessful movies, are but to with thebe every medium of mass amuse- must be discarded. cancongressmen,lifean exacerbated find to suggest plutocrats, feeling toAnd him that socommunists—whatever concentrations the success listener is thegrumbles. of. allpower. essential politicalHe He grumbles grumbles fact .stereotype of modernagainst against he bureaucrats,. and that he is not successful. Jews, dissatisfactiongrumblesagainstthe foreigners the against party and who it.atin come Butonepower, hetopoint thisknows votes orcountry another nofor other theand he one getmeans begins goodout of of jobs. toventing become He grumbleshis social power and then sus- consciousness.ofblingpicious it has has of to itsthe be dangers. efficacy kept inside TheOneof his listenerone,must grumbling. repressed, be would careful And like barelywhere what to do touchingis something the aboutrims of it, something drastic one grumbles. A lot more, even grum- oneand blowdecisive on thethat table will anddo away everything with the is changed.whole mess. Imagine—strike REHEARSAL OF VIOLENCE influenceonsonalityis reason psychic type topeople discontent, believe are towidespread prescriptions thatHow ranging at prevalentleast in from modern strandsfor peace adviceis the life.or oftype aspectson Themind, how that voluminous testifiestoofhas keepthis been "ideal" friendsto briefly literature this fact.and sketched above? There per- adherents.AmericanFor138 a variety Exceptagitator of historical for has the not early succeededcircumstances, years of inthe gaining New social Deal any and and large economic, those masses preced- the of PROPHETS OF DECEIT aretoughies,coreing oftenPearl of followers: unemployables,unkindlyHarbor, disgruntled theidentifiedThe agitator's and agitator certainasold theaudience men must lunatic undefined and know frustratedhas fringe. that beengroups. he limited spinsters,can Such hardly audiencesto cranks,a expect hard to achieve signifi- ofsocialsuchtainlycant European resultsinitial conditionsnot confined audiences withoutfascism characterize towerereaching reflect his equally present on a large widera modest,small groups. masses audience; scale its But oforiginal what people. he his seemsmight ambitionsfollowers The underto beginnings sense recruitedare certain cer-that unemployedaudiencebehavefrom similar as merely if hismerges,strata present paradigmatic. of the Inthe performancean middle population. economic He class can wereThecrisisloses afford Americanmerely itsthe to security, distinction be a "unserious." rehearsal agitator and betweenthe tendsand youth his to unemployables and andtinuecalwhichits confidencemanipulation, malcontents. his large present numbers in small-scale theseems future. of topeople provide operationsThe would possibility the atagitatorbe the susceptible thathead with a ofsituation thehis to legionimpetus his will psychologi of ariseto misfits con- in sketched in an earlierIt chapter is the deep that andis both pervasive the origin presence of agitation of the social and malaise which we THE SOCIAL BASIS OF AGITATION ingthosetheand agitatorfieldthatagitation of he hisin is whichcriticsseems battensinconsistent. agitationwhoaware on thinkmalaise. of He flourishes. this;he claims canIn he some behas to banished Malaise bedima keenerissuing nook givesfrom sense ofthe his historyrise"most ofconsciousness, tohistory importantagitation,by show- than becausetion,willhate-filled,challenge hold it must thesway"3 Satan-run thatagitator be couldgranted,if the doesworld,"2 presentbe made isrefer not intolerableand toto entirely apressinghe bankrupt, predicts situationfantastic realities, blood-drenched,that persists."unreasonable and because it This he war-torn,predic- forcedoes is precisely lems.istouch able Whenon to themeet he most withencourages exposed a response.The disaffectionagitator's and painful themes from sores all areof current ourdistorted social loyalties, versionsbody he that takes of he genuine social prob- WHAT THE LISTENER HEARD 139 themthereandoradvantage efficacy fears ais sense something of ofof his ofawestern contemporarylisteners, belonging, to values.be he anxious nois WThenplaying tendencymatter and howheon fearfulto takesvery doubtcounterfeit real advantageabout. either anxieties itWhen the is, of sufficiency andthe he fears—anxietya offers sense zationonsocialmenof participationhim, andtoday harmony he their capitalizesfeel longing and inhomeless a well-being.worthy onfor both some and cause, their needAndnew his revolt whensymbola words new againsthe belieffind ofcalls authority. responsethe uponin restraintsthe them possibility Thatonly to of which becausedepend civili- of inhardlythey immediate,agitation. utter ready under to the acknowledge theirmostWhat breaths,inchoate the to themselvesthe agitatorand sub dispersed rosadoes, become thoughts then,reactions the is themeswhichto of activate his theyflaunted followers the are most primitive and tionfromsometo theto ainexplicable truetheir general consciousness problems trends wayAfter oftheyby contemporary ofthe arehe their following hasbeing troubles subtly crushed, society. "reasoning": awakened and the from agitator anyhis The possibleadherents diverts forces themsolu- that to a realization that in wouldbydestroyersthingthreaten rational be to sheer doto means. in iscrush thefolly—ato joinservice Tothem them,oppose kind are of destruction.to irresistible,of thembecome utopian with one quixotism.Thisinexorable, the of proposal"bare the policemen, Thereforebodkin" and is essentiallyuncontrollable of onethe ideals bestof tan- the bethetamounta overwhelmed. forcesconqueror to against a suggestion by defeating LikeyouTo area cheaterthatrecognize sohimself. theoverwhelming, inadherents andsolitaire, play destroyupon the join adherent those with themselves. disturbingthem is to become Since sicknesses of modem life . . . and unquestioning.appealslowersthatobjective the from isrun-of-the-mill that roleany Hencesubmission ofrational the the agitator politicians attemptbasic to social implications in to society. ignore,regain coercion health—this The andof is the basicthento themes—the be to implicationmore isdivert the ready essential his charis- fol-andof his 140 PROPHETS OF DECEIT discontent.tionsForpolicematic all objectively glorification state,his emphasis the unleashing to ofperpetuateon the and leader, expressionof terror the the conditions against extinction of discontent, helpless which of civil theminority give agitatorliberties, rise to func- that the groups. The themes cannot be understood in terms of their manifest A DICTIONARY OF AGITATION con- thisatissueunimpressedtent. few, oneThey of but factlies ratherin and wouldEuropelistener nonsense.constitute be millions.may sufficient Yetwavea kind someWere it toof aside establishsecretpeople there as psychological nosuccumbeda kindthe other conclusion of evidence mania to language.it: in that atAmerica hand, there The or a mere sibleourtheofare classificationattempt people topowerful all. Asto to translate we thepsychological of analyze leader'sagitational the this secretorbit. magnetsthemesmaterial, codeBut that we ofwithin we agitationhas find appearedagitation that into its inlanguageessentialthat these draw acces- groups now also have at our disposal pages— mean- is HowMorseofing—thata moot the conscious usualCode question which tappedmethods the thatattracts agitatorout weof by logicalthehave the is followers—cannot agitatorofnot inquiry,the attempted genuine and but picked tothatmeaning answer be upit reachedis by of here;the his followers.by it is a psychological message means a meaningimportance.ofjob consciousness for andanother the recurrent investigation. onIn the any patternspart case, of But the theof for agitation,agitatordistinction the purpose is the ultimately between presence of finding the of or manifestsecondary absence the inner and latent meaning socialtextsdisturbances.agitationalof anare world. agitational seen texts Translatedas seemconsistent, text merely must into meaningful, theirbe as seenindulgence psychological as crucial. and in significantly futile Takenequivalents, furies at their relatedabout agitational face to value, the vague isunabletoactivity. andslip whatthroughto He contain never he says,the merelyso netsmany weIn allsays;haveof contemporary hisrational heto output, followalways meaning—those the hints. himutterances. agitator into His thesuggestions engages To underground nets know that in what an seem essentially heof ambiguous manage sions,meaning—the doubletalk. unexpresseciAlways, or half-expressedthen, the agitator content appeals of his to hints,those allu-elements of the contem- WHAT THE LISTENER HEARD 141 intoaoneweporary new,their haveultimate malaiseexternalized,psychological seen aim: inthat thehis involve followers previousandreferents, brutal a rejection arechapter, it superego. is to impossible place of he traditional allExceptdirects their to understand faithallthrough western of in his his translation values.themes modernperson— As to positionrhetoric,agitationalSuch a toandtranslation themes. understand present lays itIf inwethe bare a striprationallyrole the theand objective agitator's the formulated basis social message of appealconsequencesversion, of ofits we agitation. mystical are of inagita- a grandiloquence and leastblueprintnottionessential inand expose itself the for prerequisite destroypotentialthe opposing true thesocial relationship for theappeal its andagitator prophylaxis. psychologicalof betweenagitation politically. leader for content theBut and followers it offollower.does agitation—the at orthe It give doesvery a everwhoever be changed believes is thata foolMy this or friends, statea liar. of weOppression affairs live in will a andworld ever injustice, beof inequityor can as and injustice. But THE AGITATOR MEANS kindgesturesselves—andThewar andidealists of thing offamine, human worse whothat are willclaim brotherhoodstill, eternal prevent are otherwise merely accompaniments youis merely foolingare from merely baitgetting you. for foolingof To suckers,thehuman indulge share theme. life. the inof survival.Beyouloot practical. thatavailable wheneverYou mighttoThe you world youas today.Instead well were is get Doesn'tan idealisticof your arena joining shareyour of you withaofown grim hadthe theexperience gravy. tostruggle oppressed pay for tellfor it? and suffering with thatwhateverorthem, happiness. I usecome whenthat with 1 word convenient.hold me. maybeforeI Ifoffer you mean. you follow no no1 scornpromiseme,chimera you even of willof peace theindividuality— ally catchwords oryourself security with force, with might 142 crats,ments.and power—the and We other will creatures offer you scapegoats—Jews, weapons that ultimately decide allPROPHETS disagree- OF DECEIT con fured up by our imagination. These radicals, pluto- otheras fereiweyouyou dog—that will can will beplunder ableit ismake to them berate Notwhether andutopia and vent they eventuallybut a realistic struggle our program. Not peace but incessant strug- are your real enemiesyour so spleen longto grab on them? the bone from the persecute. What dif- theanCangle iron-bound powerful for you survival; realistically in movement order not to expectabundance gainTo of winterror. more? this but We much will you ally will ourselves have part of their privilege. We will be to follow me.the We lion's will share form of scarcity. with willButit.Ithe will findI policemenwillI willthink a home.act also forout rather protectyou, your Ithan liveswill the tellfor you. In the shadow of my venom prisoners. Andyou I will inwhat mybe theto public do leader. and role when as leader. to do you