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I did not want this struggle. Since January, 1933, when Providence entrusted me with the leadership of the German Reich, I had an aim before my eyes which was essentially incorporated in the program of our National Socialist party. I have never been disloyal to this aim and have never abandoned my program. : Only when the entire German people become a single community of sacrifice can we expect and hope that Almighty God will help us. The Almighty has never helped a lazy man. He does not help the coward. He does not help a people that cannot help itself. The principle applies here, help yourselves and Almighty God will not deny you his assistance.

Adolf Hitler#76

LeadershipFaithUnityStruggleSelf relianceSacrifice

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker claims divine assistance requires collective sacrifice and self-reliance from the people.
In plain terms
God helps those who help themselves and work hard.
What can you take from it?
Sacrifice and effort are prerequisites for divine aid.

Where it applies

  • political mobilization
  • wartime morale
  • religious exhortation

Putting it to work

  • mobilizing citizens
  • building unity
  • justifying struggle

Questions to consider

  • What defines a sacrifice?
  • Who decides the aim?

Another view

This framing ignores systemic factors and places burden solely on the people.

More from Adolf Hitler

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  2. If the Providence has so willed that the German people cannot be spared this fight, then I can only be grateful that it entrusted me with the leadership in thi…

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  3. For over five years this man has been chasing around Europe like a madman in search of something he could set on fire. Unfortunately he again and again finds h…

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