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As far as Hitler is concerned, we regarded him as a true man. He was only a corporal when he earned the Iron Cross First Class in World War I. In those days that was quite an achievement. When he spoke at meetings or rallies he managed to captivate his audience. He was able to get us in a mood where we believed everything he said and we left fired with enthusiasms. Everyone I met respected and trusted Hitler and I myself shared these feelings and opinions.

Adolf Hitler#198

LeadershipCharismaSpeechPublic speakingTrust

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker describes how Hitler captivated audiences and earned trust through his persona and past achievements.
In plain terms
Hitler inspired trust and enthusiasm through his speeches and history.
What can you take from it?
Charisma and past achievements can build public trust.

Where it applies

  • political rally
  • public speaking
  • leadership assessment

Putting it to work

  • analyze public influence
  • evaluate leadership traits
  • study persuasion

Questions to consider

  • What makes a leader trustworthy?
  • How does charisma affect judgment?

Another view

The account relies on personal perception which may overlook negative realities.

More from Adolf Hitler

  1. Nazism and Fascism are thoroughly beaten, but I must admit that their defeat does not mean that barbarism and brutality have been defeated. On the contrary, it…

    Permalink to quote #197
  2. Unlike Mussolini [Hitler] spurned the 'proletariat' and its Marxism, which was as bad as Christianity in his eyes, for it, too, was the faith of the downtrodde…

    Permalink to quote #199
  3. After visiting these two places you can easily see how that within a few years Hitler will emerge from the hatred that surrounds him now as one of the most sig…

    Permalink to quote #196

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