

#6436
Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Mass Psychology of Fascism
Book • 1952
In this work, Wilhelm Reich provides a unique insight into the phenomenon of fascism, refuting the notion that it is the ideology or action of a single individual, nationality, or ethnic group.
Instead, he understands fascism as the organized political expression of the average man's character, resulting from the suppression of primary biological needs and impulses over thousands of years.
The book analyzes the social function of this suppression and the crucial roles played by the authoritarian family and the church.
Reich also highlights how every form of organized mysticism, including fascism, relies on the unsatisfied orgastic longing of the masses.
The importance of this work is underscored by its relevance to current social conflicts, emphasizing the need to understand the mass psychology of fascism to address contemporary societal issues.
Instead, he understands fascism as the organized political expression of the average man's character, resulting from the suppression of primary biological needs and impulses over thousands of years.
The book analyzes the social function of this suppression and the crucial roles played by the authoritarian family and the church.
Reich also highlights how every form of organized mysticism, including fascism, relies on the unsatisfied orgastic longing of the masses.
The importance of this work is underscored by its relevance to current social conflicts, emphasizing the need to understand the mass psychology of fascism to address contemporary societal issues.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by 

as a book he had for years, and reread parts of due to current events.


Marc Maron

Episode 1613 - Noah Wyle
Mentioned by 

as one of the most political pieces of writing in the history of psychology.


Forrest Hanson

9 Lessons from the Great Minds of Psychoanalysis
Wilhelm Reich talks about fascism as a psychopathology and an irrational character structure.

Fascist Yoga!
Mentioned when the speakers were planning to discuss it before changing direction.

Pill Pod 210 - New York Times LIES about "Fascism Experts" fleeing Trump
Mentioned by 

as he describes fascism, filtered through the work of Wilhelm Reich.


Gabriel Kennedy

Analyzing Human Stupidity with Gabriel Kennedy
Mentioned by 

in relation to the mass psychology of fascism.


Sue Grand

Fascism's Erotic Lure with Sue Grand
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

and 

in the context of his life, theories, and persecution by the US government.

Anna North


Olivia Laing

Freedom, and what it means to have a body
Mentioned by Eugene Holland in relation to his work on psychoanalysis and capitalism.

Eugene W. Holland, "Perversions of the Market: Sadism, Masochism, and the Culture of Capitalism" (SUNY Press, 2024)