Gentile, Giovanni (1875-1944)

Italian philosopher and politician, whose writings formed the basis of the Italian Fascist state under Mussolini. As minister of education from 1924, he reformed both the school and university systems. He edited the Encyclopedia Italiana and wrote the entry in it for ‘fascism’. He was assassinated by partisans.

Gentile's doctrine of ‘actualism’ was seized by the Fascists, to justify their authoritarian policies.