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To the Fuhrer. This is the truth which bound me to thee: I looked for thee and found my Fatherland. I was a leaf floating in limitless space. Now thou art my homeland and my tree. How far would I be carried by the wind, wert thou not the strength that flows up from the roots. I believe in thee, for thou art the nation. I believe in Germany. For thou art Germany's son.

Baldur von Schirach#8

PoliticsIdentityNationNationalismSymbolism

About this quote

What does it mean?
Schirach equates the Fuhrer with a fatherland and a tree, expressing deep personal and national identity.
In plain terms
He sees the Fuhrer as his homeland and a tree that gives him strength.
What can you take from it?
Political leaders can become symbols of personal identity.

Where it applies

  • nationalist literature
  • psychology of allegiance

Putting it to work

  • explore metaphorical language in political devotion

Questions to consider

  • What does the tree metaphor convey about loyalty?
  • How does personal identity merge with national identity?

Another view

Relies on metaphor rather than concrete reasoning.

More from Baldur von Schirach

  1. That is the greatest thing about him. That he is not only our leader and a great hero. But himself, upright, firm and simple. In him the roots of our world. An…

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  2. Adolf Hitler, you are our great Fuhrer. Thy name makes the enemy tremble. Thy Third Reich comes, thy will alone is law upon the earth. Let us hear daily thy vo…

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. In the presence of this blood banner which represents our Fuhrer, I swear to devote all my energies and my strength to the saviour of our country, Adolf Hitler…

    Permalink to quote #6

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