In my eyes, the year 1942 already has behind it the most fateful trial of our people. That was the winter of '41 to '42. I may be permitted to say that in that winter the German people, and in particular its Wehrmacht, were weighed in the balance by Providence. Nothing worse can or will happen. That we conquered that winter, that 'General Winter,' that at last the German fronts stood, and that this spring, that is, early this summer, we were able to proceed again, that, I believe, is the proof that Providence was content with the German people. : You do not realize what is hidden beneath these words in the way of human heroism, and also of human pain, and suffering, and we may say, often anxiety too, naturally, deathly anxiety on the part of all those who, especially for the first time, are placed before the trial of God in this highest court.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Surviving a difficult winter is framed as proof of divine favor.
- In plain terms
- War survival means God approves.
- What can you take from it?
- Crises are often seen as tests.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do leaders interpret military setbacks?
- What role does faith play in wartime?
Another view
It minimizes the actual human cost of war.
More from Adolf Hitler
I, for my part, acknowledge another precept which says that man must deal the final blow to those whose downfall is destined by God.
Permalink to quote #80 And today I stand by this same view. Fate, or Providence, will give the victory to those who most deserve it. : And when now, after 10 years, I again survey th…
Permalink to quote #82 May therefore God give us the strength to continue to do our duty and with this prayer we bow in homage before our dead heroes, before those whom they have lef…
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