Word: finer
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Dates: during 1930-1939
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Genius Mussolini, as studied by Scholar Finer in Rome last year: "First, then, Mussolini has a profound knowledge of men. . . . His penetration is extremely subtle: 'refined' as the Continental idiom has it. This does not apply to one special section of the people, like the peasantry among whom he was born, but to all. . . . The Senate, whose seats are filled by the grey-bearded 'personages,' is addressed [by Mussolini] with the gravity of an elder statesman; the Chamber with tempestuous fervor, and 'high inspiration' and humor. The peasants he salutes in the style...
Richelieu's Condition. "Italians love a display of emotion to an extent the English would regard as disgusting," continues Dr. Finer. "Hence the task of government has been, is, and always will be different in Italy from in England. . . . In the apt American phrase, Mussolini is a spellbinder. . . . Yet Mussolini is more controlled, more disposed to reticence, less expansive than the average Italian. He is imperious and detached. . . . He has a solid, crag-like passivity when listening, and even when speaking, that is particularly imposing in a land where all are volatile and throbbing. He gives the impression that...
Beatitude & Pflichtgefühl. Continuing the most scholarly and minute analysis of the Dictator yet made, Dr. Finer reports: "He is certain of his star, certain that he cannot be assassinated until his work is accomplished, certain that Italy needs him, certain that his institutions are wholesome for Italy . . . certain that he cannot fail. . . . The impact of his personality on men, women and children far from the vicinity of Mussolini's physical presence is astounding. Far away, even to the uttermost confines of the kingdom, beyond the hills and fields and marshes separating them from Rome, even beyond...
...these characteristics," adds Scholar Finer, "Mussolini unites personal fascination. . . . His presence is exciting, disturbing, and, finally, commanding. People feel simply that they must obey...
Even so, Dr. Finer is against Dictatorship, whether Fascist, Nazi or Communist, and democratic readers may close his tome prouder of Democracy and of themselves than ever...