Charlie Chaplin speaks of peace, democracy, and brotherhood of man

In this clip from Charlie Chaplin's 1940 film The Great Dictator, his impassioned speech makes one wonder what kind of an actor he would be if he started today. There's clearly a lot more going on under the hood than simple physical comedy - it's a shame his flare for speaking went unrealized for so many years, for lack of sound in film (this was his first film with sound). Equally sad is the lack of change we've made as a people since 1940 - the lack of impact of his words. What he says is true. People, in general and at their core, don't wish harm on others, only to live freely and well. Too often, the powerful and corrupt become dictators, as was seen with Hitler, who Chaplin imitates here, suppressing this innate desire for peace. Too often, we succumb to fear and force, and allow ourselves to hate and fight.

The world could use more public figures like Chaplin, and more speeches like this one.