The divisiveness of the new ideologies could turn brothers into faceless strangers and trade unionists or shop owners into class enemies. Normal human instincts were overridden. In the tense spring of 1936, on his way to Madrid University, Julián Marías, a disciple of the philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. never forgot the hatred in the expression of a tram-driver as he watched a beautiful and well-dressed young woman step down onto the pavement. “We’ve really had it,” Marías said to himself. “When Marx has more effect than hormones, there is nothing to be done.”

Antony Beevor, “The Battle for Spain”.