Alice Weidel, leader of extreme far-right party, Alternative Für Deutschland
Albert Camus, a late French philosopher and journalist, once warned, “be careful when a democracy is sick, because fascism comes to its bedside, but it is not to inquire about its health”. Over the course of history, we’ve seen the mechanics of this sentiment operate with consistency. Camus raised a compelling point, highlighting a profound truth about the way power operates in societies, especially in times of crisis or instability.
The purpose of this chapter is not to galvanize the population into labelling Elon Musk a Nazi following his infamous seig heil at Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Rather, it’s intended to help nurture an understanding as to why some people might be wary of his actions, reminding us that it is our duty to collectively question the motives of individuals who wield immense power. To remind us that we are to watch their every move, meticulously keeping track of their actions for our own good. If we are actively being marginalized for stating that a blue painting looks like a blue painting—gaslit into believing that it is in fact red with no room for further inquiry—then there is something immensely wrong with society. The moment we can no longer question the actions of individuals with power without being marked as candidates for the insane asylum is the exact moment that we need to become more vigilant as a people. There are no sides to pick. There is only survival. Our duty is to refrain from the temptation of succumbing to ideological division. Trust in your vision, and scrutinize the details of your exploration.
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