Re: Adler: frustration and the people

Does Duroselle actually quote or make reference to Adler?

When many people seem to be moving in a similar direction, and act in a similar manner, it is possible that they each have a similar style of life that responds in parallel fashion to common circumstances. Political, philosophical, and religious movements, often mobilized by charismatic, articulate leaders, provide groups of people with the opportunities and reinforcements, on a large scale, for what they had already been doing on a small scale (since childhood). Alice Miller, in For Your Own Good, offers a compelling illumination of this dynamic.

In "Mass Psychology," (International Journal of Individual Psychology, 1937, Volume 3,) Alfred Adler discusses the interplay between mass movements and the style of life of individuals within those movements. He makes reference to: implict agreements about "the meaning of life;" individuals responding to econominc and political conditions according to their "previously acquired style of life;" adults pampered in childhood often seeking leaders to assume all responsibility; and the three hundred year history of witch-burning as a mass effort to force women into a subordinate position.

Adler also offers opinions about significant personalities in the French Revolution, in "Dayton, Marat, Robespierre: a Character Study," Arbeiter-Zeitung (Vienna, 1923). Regarding Marat, Adler wrote: "His guiding thought was the victory of the poor over the wealthy and powerful. He found common cause with anyone who complained about suppression, injustice, abuses of the rights of others, as well as with anyone who testified against those who betrayed the people. His boundless hatred of the rulers and exploiters knew no limits."

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