War is Waged with Lies
Naturally, the common people don't want war ... it is the leaders of a country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along,
whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a
parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice,
the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders.
That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are
being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism
and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every
country.
– Hermann Goering
The size of the lie is a definite factor in causing it to be believed, for the vast masses of the nation are in the depths of their hearts more easily deceived than they are consciously and intentionally bad. The primitive simplicity of their minds renders them a more easy prey to a big lie than a small one, for they themselves often tell little lies but would be ashamed to tell a big one.
To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle.
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