Fascism - A Very Short Introduction.pdf

Fascism has an enigmatic countenance because in it appears the
most counterpoised contents. It asserts authoritarianism and
organises rebellion. It fights against contemporary democracy and,
on the other hand, does not believe in the restoration of any past
rule. It seems to pose itself as the forge of a strong State, and uses
means most conducive to its dissolution, as if it were a destructive
faction or a secret society. Whichever way we approach fascism we
find that it is simultaneously one thing and the contrary, it is A and
not A . . .
José Ortega y Gasset, ‘Sobre el Fascismo’ (1927)