In the context of the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939, the author reflects on the nature of the violence and oppression that marked this turbulent period. He suggests that the executions and arbitrary detentions carried out by both factions were not merely acts of war but rather a continuation of historical practices of repression, similar to the Inquisition, though rebranded. This indicates a deeper societal issue rooted in a legacy of intolerance and brutality.

The quote serves as a critique of how repressive systems can manifest in various forms over time, suggesting that both sides in the conflict perpetuated a cycle of violence and control. The connection to the Inquisition implies that the desire for power and the urge to punish dissenters have persisted throughout Spain's history, affecting the collective consciousness and leading to repeated patterns of violence in its pursuit of ideological goals.