Speech: The Great Dictator

Charlie Chaplin - Greatest Speech Ever Made

Although I was intrigued by the process of developing a philosopher king in The Republic, I do not agree with dictatorship. It is true that dictatorship can often benefit a nation with a right minded leader. Considering the era that he lived in, Chaplin also lands a satirical attack on fascism and dictatorship by portraying as one specific dictator in an ironic way. But the message does not seem to be intended for future dictator, who might be watching his film in their palace, but he shows the current state of the society and world at his and our time. And the points that he delivers is priceless. 

"I don't want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone - if possible - Jew, Gentile - black man - white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other's happiness - not by each other's misery. We don't to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone."

His messages are similar to the message of the renowned peace advocate, Mr. Man Hee Lee, who have be gathering the attention of the world recently for his works and visions. Chaplin starts by declining the position to power. But, rather he longs to help people, who are different than him. He proposes peace. And states that it is actually human's innate characteristic to help one another. Wars only bring misery to each other. It does not benefit the dominant population. Would it be possible to find pleasure living next to one another? According to Chaplin, greed for wealth and power changed a man. And the achievements that mankind made is notable in the history and it had made a significant impact in our world. But, did our character and respect also increase? We spend countless nights to research for a new discovery, but do we spend countless nights thinking about treating others well? And Chaplin concludes his speech by saying,

"Let us fight to free the world - to do away with national barriers - to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance."

He asks the soldiers to fight not with each other, but to free the world and to overcome the barriers and the boundaries that cause such conflicts. Chairman Lee once said, "We must keep the will of living together as one with the people. We must not lean towards evil, trick others or lie." We have to learn how to live with others and tolerance.