I shall give a propagandist reason for starting the war, no matter whether it is plausible or not. The victor will not be asked afterwards, whether he told the truth or not. When starting and waging war it is not right that matters but victory. Close your hearts to pity. Act brutally, eighty million people must obtain what is their right. Their existence must be made secure. The strongest man is right.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker argues that victory justifies any propaganda used to start a war, regardless of truth.
- In plain terms
- Winning matters more than telling the truth or being right when starting a war.
- What can you take from it?
- Victory validates the means used to achieve it, including lies.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does the end justify the means in war?
- What is the role of truth in conflict?
Another view
Ignoring truth and morality in war can lead to long-term instability and loss of trust.
More from Adolf Hitler
I have thus prevented my Catholic and Protestant supporters from forming groups against one another, and inadvertently knocking each other out with the Bible. …
Permalink to quote #158 One cannot rule by force alone... it is equally important to have this psychological something... They must be convinced that we are the victors.
Permalink to quote #160 COMMON GOOD BEFORE INDIVIDUAL GOOD
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