Jak zostać bogiem?
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Date
2013
Authors
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Journal Title
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Publisher
Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM
Title alternative
How to Become God?
Abstract
Sanctity is the very essence of political power, which needs its own rituals, myths, and
symbols. This sacred nimbus confirms the authority of the ruler, making it unusual, mysterious and – as a result – untouchable. Religion is also the main source of the legitimacy of
power, changing rulers into the sons of gods or at least kings „by the grace of God”. The
twentieth century brought a new phenomenon: totalitarian personality cult, which is based on
archaic beliefs and myths concerning power. Personality cult was a kind of charismatic
power described by Max Weber, who considered charisma as strictly personal supernatural
gifts of a new ruler. This article focuses on efforts made by the twentieth century dictators in
order to create an artificial charisma and to become a living (and ruling) god.
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Keywords
personality cult, totalitarianism, charismatic power, Max Weber, Stalinism, Nazism, Fascism
Citation
Poznańskie Studia Slawistyczne, 2013, nr 5, s. 237–247
ISBN
798-83-232-2636-9