Benito Mussolini

Italian fascist dictator

Modern influential 146 sayings

Sayings by Benito Mussolini

It's good to trust others but, not to do so is much better.

Unknown — General advice
Humorous Unverifiable

I have been a racist since 1921. I don't know how they can think I'm imitating Hitler.

Unknown (likely 1930s-1940s) — Statement on racism and Hitler
Humorous Unverifiable

The press of Italy is free, freer than the press of any other country, so long as it supports the regime.

Unknown — Statement on press freedom under Fascism
Humorous Unverifiable

Yes, a dictator can be loved. Provided that the masses fear him at the same time. The crowd love strong men. The crowd is like a woman.

1932 — Reflecting on dictatorship and public perception
Humorous Unverifiable

Race? It is a feeling, not a reality. Ninety-five per cent, at least. Nothing will ever make me believe that biologically pure races can be shown to exist today.... National pride has no need of the delirium of race.

1932 — Statement on race
Humorous Unverifiable

Honorable Fascist Deputies, I am very sorry and profoundly humiliated to announce to you that my speech today will not be as short as mine usually are...

Unknown (prior to 1935) — Opening of a speech in the Chamber of Deputies
Humorous Unverifiable

My speech, therefore, will be necessary, irritating and amusing.

Unknown (prior to 1935) — Describing an upcoming speech
Humorous Unverifiable

It can be said that the policeman preceded the professor in history [laughter], because, if there are not hands armed with handcuffs, laws become dead letters.

Unknown (prior to 1935) — Speech in the Chamber of Deputies, commenting on the importance of order and law enforcement
Humorous Unverifiable

The dogma of the divine creation is recognized as absurd.

1904 — Essay 'l'Homme et la Divinité'
Humorous Unverifiable

Religion is a species of mental disease. It has always had a pathological reaction on mankind.

July 1904 — Speech in Lausanne
Humorous Unverifiable

The mass of men are brutish, ignorant, and lazy. They must be driven.

1932 — Interview with Emil Ludwig
Controversial Unverifiable

Democracy is a regime without a king, but with very many kings, perhaps more exclusive, tyrannical and violent than one king even if a tyrant.

1932 — Doctrine of Fascism
Controversial Unverifiable

Race? It is a feeling, not a reality. Nothing will ever make me believe that biologically pure races can be shown to exist today.

1932 — Interview with Emil Ludwig
Controversial Unverifiable

I have not created Fascism, I have extracted it from the unconscious of the Italian people.

1932 — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

We are hungry for land, and we shall take it.

1920s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

It is not the program that governs the party but the party that governs the program.

1920s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

The crowd is like a woman. It doesn't want to be told, but to be loved.

Undated — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable

We were not born to a life of ease but to struggle.

1920s — Speech
Humorous Unverifiable

Believe, Obey, Fight.

1930s — Motto of the Fascist youth organizations
Humorous Unverifiable

Order, discipline, hierarchy.

Undated — Attributed
Humorous Unverifiable