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I was permitted to work for many years of my life under the greatest son whom my people has brought forth in its thousand year history. Even if I could, I would not want to erase this period of time from my existence. I am happy to know that I have done my duty, to my people, my duty as a German, as a National Socialist, as a loyal follower of my Fuhrer. I do not regret anything. If I were to begin all over again, I would act just as I have acted, even if I knew that in the end I should meet a fiery death at the stake. No matter what human beings may do, I shall some day stand before the judgment seat of the Eternal. I shall answer to Him, and I know He will judge me innocent.

Rudolf Hess#2

Rudolf hessLoyaltyFaithNazismDutyJudgmentRegret

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author expresses no regret for his service to Hitler and the Nazi party, asserting his loyalty and belief in eventual divine judgment.
In plain terms
He is happy he served Hitler and regrets nothing, trusting God will judge him innocent.
What can you take from it?
Loyalty to a cause can persist even when it leads to ruin.

Where it applies

  • prisoner reflection
  • ideological declaration
  • historical testimony

Putting it to work

  • analyzing ideological commitment
  • studying historical figures

Questions to consider

  • Can loyalty to a criminal regime ever be justified?
  • How does faith influence moral judgment?

Another view

This justification ignores the crimes committed under the regime he served.

More from Rudolf Hess

  1. You take an oath to a man whom you know follows the laws of providence, which he obeys independently of the influence of earthly powers, who leads the German p…

    Permalink to quote #1
  2. My coming to England in this way is, as I realize, so unusual that nobody will easily understand it. I was confronted by a very hard decision. I do not think I…

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. Thanks to the directors for addressing this message to my home. Written several minutes before my death.

    Permalink to quote #4

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