Umberto Eco

We are here to remember what happened and to declare solemnly that 'they' must never do it again. But who are 'they'? HOW TO SPOT A FASCIST is a selection of three thought-provoking essays on freedom and fascism, censorship and tolerance - including Eco's iconic essay 'Ur-Fascism', which lists the fourteen essential characteristics of fascism, and draws on his own personal experiences growing up in the shadow of Mussolini. Umberto Eco remains one of the greatest writers and cultural commentators of the last century. In these pertinent pieces, he warns against prejudice and abuses of power and proves a wise and insightful guide for our times. If we strive to learn from our collective history and come together in challenging times, we can hope for a peaceful and tolerant future. Freedom and liberation are never-ending tasks. Let this be our motto: 'Do not forget.'

How to Spot a Fascist

Isn't this the ground reality we experience? At least I know I do. 

Feeling numb from consuming content. Mindless & endless amount of content that long ago lost meaning. 

Content is the new noise. It doesn't serve any purpose or spark emotions. It's just a fake panacea to get through life without actually living. 

Apuroop

This great need for noise is like a drug: it is a way to avoid focusing on what is really important. Redi in interiorem hominem:...

...It is in silence alone that the only truly powerful means of information becomes effective - word of mouth. All people, even when they are oppressed by the most censorious tyrants, have been able to find out all that is going on in the world through popular word of mouth....

...In losing the condition of silence, we lose the possibility of hearing what other people are saying, which is the only basic and reliable means of communication. And that is why, in conclusion, I would say that one of the ethical problems we face today is how to return to silence....

This is an important idea: Recognizing trauma & working to ensure that no one else has to endure it. 

This is often at odds with the Indian engineering college mentality, I was ragged & hence now I will rag. 

Our tragedies have made us wise and ruthless, better prepared to deal with horror. We seek peace because we have known too many wars. 

Having lived from 1932 to 2016, Umberto Eco not only experienced fascism during WW2, but also lived through the internet era. 

His essays are thought provoking & culturally relevant in the 2020s more than ever. Foreshadowing the quote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Having lived from 1932 to 2016, Umberto Eco not only experienced fascism during WW2, but also lived through the internet era. 

His essays are thought provoking & culturally relevant in the 2020s more than ever. Foreshadowing the quote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Everyone should read this book! 

How to Spot a Fascist

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