Meaning: This quote, attributed to Benito Mussolini, the Italian politician and leader of the National Fascist Party, reflects his disdain for the collective behavior of masses, whether in the form of a crowd or an army. Mussolini was known for his authoritarian and dictatorial rule, and his views on the masses were often in line with his fascist ideology, which emphasized the supremacy of the state and the need for strong leadership.

In this quote, Mussolini expresses a negative view of the mass, suggesting that it is inherently base or morally repugnant. His use of the word "vile" conveys a strong sense of contempt or disgust for the collective behavior of people when they come together in large numbers. This sentiment aligns with the fascist belief in the superiority of the individual over the collective, and the need for a powerful leader to guide and control the masses.

Mussolini's view of the mass as "vile" can be understood in the context of his political ideology, which sought to exalt the nation and its people while denigrating individualism and liberalism. For Mussolini, the mass represented a potential threat to the unity and authority of the state, and he believed that it needed to be controlled and directed by a strong, centralized government.

It's important to note that Mussolini's contempt for the mass was not unique to him, as similar sentiments have been expressed by other authoritarian and totalitarian leaders throughout history. The fear of the unruly and unpredictable nature of large groups of people has often been a driving force behind the desire for authoritarian control and the suppression of individual freedoms.

From a psychological perspective, the fear and disdain for the mass can be linked to the concept of mob mentality, in which individuals lose their sense of personal responsibility and morality when part of a larger group. This phenomenon has been studied extensively, and it has been shown that people in a crowd or a mass are more likely to engage in behaviors that they would not do as individuals.

In the context of an army, Mussolini's quote may also reflect his belief in the need for strict discipline and obedience within the military. As a former journalist and soldier, Mussolini was well aware of the power and potential danger of a unified and organized military force. His emphasis on the "vile" nature of the mass in this context may have been a reflection of his belief in the necessity of a strong and regimented army to maintain control and authority.

Overall, Mussolini's quote reflects his authoritarian and fascist worldview, which prioritized the state and its leadership over the collective will of the people. His contempt for the mass, whether in the form of a crowd or an army, underscores his belief in the need for strict control and discipline to maintain order and power. While his views may be extreme, they provide insight into the mindset of authoritarian leaders and the ways in which they seek to shape and manipulate public opinion and behavior.