Chapter 10, Why the Worst Get on Top Summary and Analysis

History has left a trail of diabolical dictators. How a totalitarian regime functions depends on the dictator. Dictators reach a point where they have to become oppressive. The potential dictator must have a large group of followers in order to impose the totalitarian regime. They also have to be willing to live under the rules of the regime. This group is usually comprised of the worst members of the society.

Groups must have common goals to hold them together. Finding a common goal among the higher educated is more difficult than among the less educated. The members of this group will therefore be among the lower elements of society. The members also accept the values of the movement because they do not think independently enough to form their own...