5 Ways "First They Fascinate The Fools" Explains Modern Populism And The War On Truth

Few historical warnings resonate with the chilling clarity of a phrase often misattributed, yet profoundly relevant to the political and social chaos of today, December 16, 2025. The full quote—"First, they fascinate the fools. Then, they muzzle the intelligent"—is not a cynical quip but a devastatingly precise diagnosis of how authoritarian movements begin and consolidate power, a blueprint for the rise of demagoguery in any era.

Originally offered by the philosopher and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell, this observation was his answer to a question about the mechanics of Fascism in the 1940s. Today, the same two-step process—the calculated seduction of the masses followed by the systematic silencing of critical thought—is playing out across global politics, social media platforms, and even in the discourse surrounding technology and expertise.

The Architect of the Warning: Bertrand Russell's Profile

The profound insight behind the quote belongs to Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell.

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• Full Name: Bertrand Arthur William Russell
• Born: May 18, 1872, in Trellech, Monmouthshire, Wales.
• Died: February 2, 1970 (Age 97), in Penrhyndeudraeth, Merionethshire, Wales.
• Nationality: British.
• Occupation: Philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, writer, social critic, political activist.
• Key Fields: Logic, Philosophy of Mathematics, Epistemology, Metaphysics.
• Notable Works: Principia Mathematica (with Alfred North Whitehead), The Problems of Philosophy, A History of Western Philosophy.
• Key Achievements: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 for his varied and significant writings in which he championed humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought.
• Political Stance: A prominent anti-war activist, pacifist, and outspoken critic of authoritarianism and nuclear proliferation.

Russell’s life spanned a period of immense global upheaval, from the peak of the British Empire through two World Wars and the rise of totalitarian regimes. His analysis of Fascism was rooted in a deep understanding of human irrationality and the power of emotional appeals over reasoned argument.

Phase I: The Fascination of the Fools in the Digital Age

The first stage of the authoritarian cycle—the "fascination of the fools"—is the process of captivating a large audience with a simple, emotionally charged narrative that bypasses critical thinking. In Russell's time, this was achieved through mass rallies and state-controlled media. Today, the mechanism is far more insidious: the social media algorithm.

1. The Algorithmic Echo Chamber

Modern platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok are designed to maximize engagement, not truth. Their algorithms prioritize content that triggers strong emotional responses—anger, fear, and outrage—because this content keeps users scrolling. This creates echo chambers where complex issues are reduced to simple, black-and-white narratives, making the "fools" easy to fascinate with a clear enemy and a charismatic leader.

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2. The Rise of Anti-Expert Sentiment

A key element of fascination is the creation of a common enemy, which is increasingly the "establishment," the "elites," or the "experts." Populist movements gain traction by portraying universities, scientists, and traditional media as corrupt or out of touch. This anti-expert sentiment works by validating the existing biases of the audience, making them feel superior to the so-called intelligent class, thus preparing them to accept simplistic, often false, solutions.

Phase II: The Muzzling of the Intelligent and the War on Experts

Once a sufficient mass of the population is fascinated—their attention captured and their critical faculties dulled by misinformation and propaganda—the second, more dangerous phase begins. The "muzzling of the intelligent" is the systematic effort to silence dissent and dismantle the institutions that produce and protect evidence-based truth.

3. The Sidelining of Independent Institutions

In contemporary politics, this muzzling is evident in the attacks on the independence of the judiciary, the press, and civil service. Leaders who have successfully fascinated their base often use their mandate to sideline courts, rewrite constitutions, and target critics. The goal is to remove any checks on power that could challenge their narrative, ensuring that the only voices heard are those that reinforce the fascination.

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4. Weaponization of Uncertainty (The COVID-19 Case Study)

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic provided a stark, recent example of this muzzling. As various populist leaders around the world attacked public health experts and scientists, they created a climate of distrust. By rejecting expert consensus, they were able to maintain the fascination of their base, who were offered simple, often dangerous, alternatives to complex public health measures. This is a classic tactic of authoritarianism: turning expertise into a liability.

5. The Chilling Effect of Digital Censorship

While the quote originally referred to state-sponsored censorship, the modern muzzling also includes a more subtle, digital form. Social media platforms, under pressure from political or commercial interests, can use their algorithms to de-platform or drastically reduce the visibility (shadow banning) of dissenting voices, journalists, and researchers. This creates a "chilling effect" where intelligent, nuanced debate is drowned out by the loud, simple, fascinating narratives of the powerful.

The Defense: How to Break the Cycle of Fascination and Silence

Russell’s quote is not a statement of despair but a call to vigilance. Understanding the mechanics of demagoguery is the first step in resisting it. The defense against fascination and muzzling lies in the cultivation of intellectual humility and a commitment to critical thought.

• Embrace Complexity: Recognize that simple answers to complex problems are almost always wrong. The fascination thrives on oversimplification.
• Verify the Source: Actively seek out information from diverse, credible, and independent sources, including those that challenge your existing viewpoints.
• Understand the Algorithm: Be aware that your social media feed is a curated reality designed to keep you engaged, not informed. Break out of the filter bubble and echo chamber intentionally.
• Defend Institutions: Support the independence of the press, the judiciary, scientific bodies, and academic freedom. These institutions are the "intelligent" voices that the powerful seek to muzzle.
• Promote Nuance: Engage in public discourse by promoting nuance and reasoned argument, rather than resorting to the emotional outrage that fuels the cycle of fascination.

The enduring relevance of "First, they fascinate the fools. Then, they muzzle the intelligent" nearly a century later confirms that the threat is not a specific ideology like Fascism, but a timeless vulnerability in the human mind. By choosing skepticism over sensationalism, and complexity over simplicity, we can resist the allure of fascination and protect the voices of intelligence.