Lessons of History

Today is April 20^th — the birthday of Adolf Hitler.

If only he’d never been born! Sadly, this was not ours to decide. However, we can learn from history so we won’t have to repeat those tragic years. They cost too many lives, too much misery and the destruction of most of Europe.

Which are the lessons to remember?

1. Beware of Intolerance. Hitler’s early speeches sizzled with intolerance, besides being utterly absurd. In beer-garden gatherings his accomplices passed out beer to attract a crowd while he wildly gestured:  “Why have we no bread?  Because of the Jews!” “Why the bad harvest?  Because of the Jews!” “Why no work?  Because of the Jews!”  

Within two months of having become chancellor, Hitler banned Jews from government employment, replaced superb Jewish surgeons with young and inexperienced doctors who belonged to his party and drove Germany’s best artists and scientists into exile, including Albert Einstein. In retrospect, maybe a good thing; otherwise he might have won the war and created hell on Earth.

2. Beware of Politicians’ Election Promises.  Politicians will say and do anything to get votes. Yet again and again we fall for their promises. Why not look at a politician’s previous record? It tells us much more eloquently and accurately what to expect.

Let’s briefly examine Hitler’s past. He flunked three years of elementary school, and quit school at age 16 when his father died. He lived with his mother, slept until noon, walked in the park and occasionally did a painting. As his mother lay dying of cancer, he moved to Vienna. When he ran out of money, he lived in the gutter, slept on park benches, ate in charity kitchens and attended anti-Jewish meetings.

Six years later, World War One was declared. With great joy he left Austria and his life of misery and joined the German Army. He had stored up much hatred while in Vienna and fought with great bravery which earned him the Iron Cross. It became his dearest possession.  

At war’s end, the Army trained him in public speaking to persuade returning soldiers against joining the Communist Party.  One year after the war, the Versailles Treaty was signed and caused catastrophic results—33% of country was unemployment, starvation became widespread, and the currency collapsed, which eventually propelled Hitler into the Chancellery.

3. Beware of Greed. Hitler created jobs, abolished unemployment, eliminated the widespread riots and established order and stabilized the currency. Time Magazine celebrated Hitler on its cover as Man of the Year.

Hitler, however, was by no means satisfied; he wanted to rule the world. It was his secret dream, as well as his downfall.

What is the answer?  Kindness and Cooperation. Today’s technology no longer allows for the outdated, self-centered approach: we against them. It would hasten the end of human existence. We need to cooperate worldwide, be it in controlling dangerous arms, preserving the peace, or protecting the Earth’s environment for our children.

In brief, if we want to survive, we need to focus on kindness and cooperation worldwide, and listen to the voices of wisdom, wherever they may be.

Until next time,

Rosi

Based in my book, The Madman and his Mistress