Adolf Hitler, I suggest to Garry Kasparov, undeniably had his faults. But is it wrong to imagine that even the führer—in common with Stalin, Robespierre and Pol Pot—initially entered political life with some notion of enhancing the public good?
“Define good,” replies Kasparov. “Then examine the consequences. Stalin killed more people than Hitler. Though in that league, Pol Pot may be the champion.”
“How about Putin?” I ask. “Was there ever any sense of a mission; any hint of philanthropy?”
“No. Putin is an opportunist, not a strategist. He’s like a poker player who got dealt a lucky hand. He was a KGB …read more
Source: Newsweek
