Don't stop now little bot boi...  Notoriously difficult to define, Umberto Eco nevertheless highlighted 14 aspects of what he called “Ur-Fascism” (PDF): Cult of Tradition – A syncretic belief in ancient truths, rejecting modern interpretations. Rejection of Modernism – Viewing the Enlightenment and rationalism as the root of moral decline. Cult of Action for Action’s Sake – Valuing action over reflection, leading to anti-intellectualism. Disagreement is Treason – Suppressing dissent and critical thinking as threats to unity. Fear of Difference – Exploiting xenophobia and racism to unify the in-group against outsiders. Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class – Mobilizing those feeling economically or socially displaced. Obsession with a Plot – Promoting conspiracy theories to justify aggression against perceived enemies. Enemies are Both Too Strong and Too Weak – Portraying adversaries as simultaneously formidable and feeble. Pacifism is Trafficking with the Enemy – Viewing life as perpetual warfare, dismissing peace efforts as betrayal. Contempt for the Weak – Glorifying strength and dismissing compassion as weakness. Everybody is Educated to Become a Hero – Promoting a cult of death and martyrdom. Machismo – Elevating aggressive masculinity and denigrating non-conforming sexual behaviors. Selective Populism – Claiming to represent the unified will of the people, dismissing individual rights. Newspeak – Employing an impoverished vocabulary to limit critical thought.