Single Idea 20451

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 3. Conservatism]

Full Idea

If you think human beings are wicked, you turn to an authoritarian conception of politics, the Hobbesian-Machiavellian-Straussian lie.

Clarification

'Strauss' is Leo Strauss

Gist of Idea

Belief that humans are wicked leads to authoritarian politics

Source

Simon Critchley (Impossible Objects: interviews [2012], 3)

Book Reference

Critchley,Simon: 'Impossible Objects: interviews' [Politty 2012], p.51


A Reaction

Right-wingers also tend to believe in free will, so they can blame and punish. Good people are more inspired by a great leader than bad people are? (Later, Critchley says authoritarians usually believe in original sin).