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You know my opinion of Franco... We ought to keep these Red Spaniards on the back burner... They're lost to democracy, and to that reactionary crew round Franco too... I believe you to the letter, Speer, that they were impressive people. I must say, in general, that during the civil war the idealism was not on Franco's side; it was to be found among the Reds...one of these days we'll be able to make use of them...The whole thing will start all over again. But with us on the opposite side.

Adolf Hitler#94

IdeologyStrategyIdealism

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author expresses a complex view on Franco and Red Spaniards, acknowledging their idealism while dismissing them as lost to democracy or Franco's side. He suggests they might be useful in the future on the opposite side.
In plain terms
Franco is not idealistic, but the Reds are and might be useful later against us.
What can you take from it?
Political opponents with idealism may become useful allies in future conflicts.

Where it applies

  • assessing civil war participants
  • planning future alliances

Putting it to work

  • evaluating ideological enemies

Questions to consider

  • When is it pragmatic to ally with ideological opponents?

Another view

The statement reveals a pragmatic but cold calculation about political enemies.

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