Propaganda Museum Excerpts

These are some excerpts from the writings on the wall at the Museum of Propaganda, a museum filled with rooms full of Communist posters. Definitely interesting.


“The Christian imagines a better future for the human race as joys in Heaven. We, on the other hand, will attain this heaven here on Earth.
- Moses Hess


“At the time when the totalitarian movement consolidates its position and creates its institutions, it abuses the natural religious tendencies of its subjects. The traditional religions are mercilessly persecuted and replaced by the brand-new cult.

Marx-Leninism also has its sacred texts and articles of faith, its prophets, loyal believers ready to sacrifice anything, as well as its heretics and apostates. Naturally it also has its own rites – instead of Easter or Pentecost, people now celebrate International Women’s Day or the Feast of Work. The prominent place in this quasi-religious hierarchy belongs to the archpriest of the order, the immortal leader. It is he who people address in their thoughts.”


“Totalitarian realms are characterized by unusual entropy of political power. It puts people into line and shapes their lives from the cradle to the grave. Independent thought is the last thing it asks from its subjects. A defenseless mass of indifferent atomized individuals can be organized most efficiently, so the movement systematically tries to transform the varied society of independent individuals into a single amalgam called “the people”. The society exists only as a name: people don’t trust one another any longer and what they share is fear at most. Any resistance is severely punished. All of this happens in the light of day, an illusion of normality. Behind a peaceful façade man is put in total slavery. And this “peace” is celebrated as the ultimate good. “

Immediately after this, I walked out of the museum into the square at the entrance of the Charles Bridge and got to see Bill Pullman filming a movie. Score, back to “reality”.