I'm reminded of these lines of Joseph Conrad's THE HEART OF DARKNESS when I think of those who support a Putin or a Castro.
"This visitor informed me Kurtz's proper sphere ought to have been politics `on the popular side.' He had furry straight eyebrows, bristly hair cropped short, an eye-glass on a broad ribbon, and, becoming expansive, confessed his opinion that Kurtz really couldn't write a bit--'but heavens! how that man could talk! He electrified large meetings. He had faith--don't you see?--he had the faith. He could get himself to believe anything--anything. He would have been a splendid leader of an extreme party.' `What party?' I asked. `Any party,' answered the other. `He was an--an--extremist.'"
Human nature doesn’t change. Powerful people who use power to deter their foes get respect.
Leaders who can’t do it are the subject of universal scorn. That’s the way its always been.
People who are too trusting end up being someone else’s dinner.
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