Apr 29, 2011

Principles of Freedom vs. Socialism

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”

-- George Santayana

In the historical documentary / lecture, "Nietzsche and the Nazis", Stephen Hicks outlines some of the values and ideals held by a very well-educated German people during the early part of the 20th century.  Hicks shows how these ideas developed and took root in the German people, which of course led to the rise of Nazism and the slaughter of over 20 Million people in concentration camps and another 30-50 Million people from World War II.

I'll list only the summary here, but strongly recommend viewing the dry, but deep discourse presented in "Nietzsche and the Nazis" to better understand the principles behind the words below.




Nazi principles:                                      Freedom Principles:

Collectivism                                              Individualism

Instinct, Passion                                        Reason

War / Zero-sum conflict                           Production/Win-win trade

Authoritarianism                                        Liberalism

Socialism                                                  Capitalism