That moment when you're traveling and want to get a genuine local perspective on the world, but aren't sure how to approach on a sensitive topic like politics?
I took a chance with my Airbnb host - a super chill guy - in Spain. I didn't ask directly, but rather observed that it feels like many successful Western countries are starting to flirt with ideas that history has already proven to be a failure.
His eyes lit up. "I don't normally talk about this with my guests, but I think you understand what’s going on."
He leaned forward and said:
"Socialism is the worst cancer on human civilization."
Then he made a striking point:
"Look at Germany and Japan. One was destroyed by National Socialism, the other by atomic bombs. They were ruined. But they rebuilt and became stronger than ever. Now, look at them. Both countries are once again voluntarily moving towards self-destruction, embracing the same kind of ideologies that lead to ruin."
To hear that perspective in a random corner of Spain was unforgettable.
