The universalists, the idealists, the Utopians all aim too high. They give promises of an unattainable paradise, and by doing so they deceive mankind. Whatever label they wear, whether they call themselves Christians, Communists, humanitarians, whether they are merely sincere but stupid or wire-pullers and cynics, they are all makers of slaves. I myself have always kept my eye fixed on a paradise which, in the nature of things, lies well within our reach. I mean an improvement in the lot of the German people. (21st February 1945)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker criticizes idealists and universalists for promising unattainable paradises and claims their own goal is a practical improvement for the German people.
- In plain terms
- I reject impossible promises and focus on realistic goals for my people.
- What can you take from it?
- Pragmatism is framed as superior to idealism in politics.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is idealism inherently deceptive in politics?
- What defines a realistic national goal?
Another view
This critique often dismisses legitimate ideals as impractical to silence opposition.
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