Occult Hitler

Hermann Rauschning's "Hitler Speaks" is a controversial book presenting alleged conversations and speeches by Adolf Hitler. Published in 1939, it offers insights into Hitler's ideology and plans. However, the book's authenticity has been questioned by historians, with some arguing that Rauschning embellished or fabricated some of the content. Despite the controversies surrounding its accuracy, "Hitler Speaks" remains a significant text in the study of Nazism, offering a perspective on Hitler's worldview, even if its accuracy is debated. The book's impact stems from its early exposure of Hitler's intentions and its continued use in historical analysis, despite ongoing debates about its reliability.

In this book, James C. Scott examines the failures of centrally managed social plans and the destructive consequences of high-modernist ideologies. Scott argues that states often impose simplistic visions on complex societies, ignoring local, practical knowledge and leading to disastrous outcomes. He identifies four conditions common to all planning disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society, high-modernist ideology, authoritarian state power, and a prostrate civil society. The book critiques various utopian projects, including collective farms, compulsory villagization, and urban planning, and advocates for a more nuanced approach that respects local diversity and practical knowledge.

Ian Kershaw's 'Hitler: A Biography' is an abridged version of his two-volume series, 'Hitler: 1889-1936 Hubris' and 'Hitler: 1936-1945 Nemesis'. The book provides a detailed and nuanced portrait of Adolf Hitler, from his origins as a failed artist in Vienna to his final days in the Berlin bunker. Kershaw draws on a wide range of sources, including previously untapped materials like Goebbels's diaries, to explore Hitler's rise to power and the societal conditions that facilitated it. The biography emphasizes Kershaw's 'Working towards the Führer' theory, which suggests that Hitler's subordinates often took initiative to fulfill his broadly outlined wishes, leading to radicalization and atrocities. The book also critically evaluates the complex character of Hitler and the broader historical context of Nazi Germany.

The novel is narrated by Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier who enlists in the army along with his classmates. It vividly depicts the horrors of trench warfare, the disillusionment with patriotic ideals, and the psychological toll of war on the soldiers. The book follows Paul's experiences from the brutal training to the front lines, where he witnesses the death of his friends and grapples with the meaninglessness of war. The novel is a powerful anti-war statement, highlighting the futility and devastating consequences of war on individuals and society.

Julius Evola's "Ride the Tiger" is a complex and controversial work that explores themes of traditionalism, spirituality, and anti-modernism. It presents a critique of modern society and its values, advocating for a return to traditional hierarchies and spiritual practices. The book's ideas have been influential in certain far-right circles, but its themes are widely considered extreme and controversial. Evola's work is characterized by its esoteric nature and its rejection of liberal democracy. The book's significance lies in its influence on certain extremist groups, highlighting the dangers of extreme ideologies.

Published in 1951, 'The True Believer' is a landmark work in social psychology that provides a visionary and provocative look into the mind of the fanatic and the dynamics of mass movements. Hoffer argues that ideologies are interchangeable for true believers, who are driven by personal frustrations and a desire for certainty and belonging. The book is highly relevant today, offering insights into political fanaticism, the rise of mass movements, and the dangers of unthinking adherence to any cause. It has been praised for its concise and insightful analysis, making it a significant contribution to social thought.

In 'Downfall: The End of the Imperial Japanese Empire', Richard B. Frank meticulously examines the last months of World War II, challenging myths about Japan's readiness to surrender and the necessity of the atomic bombs. Using newly declassified documents, Frank argues that the bombs were a logical military decision, saving lives on both sides by avoiding a bloody invasion. The book provides a comprehensive account of the strategic and diplomatic efforts during this period.