“As soon as by one’s own propaganda even a glimpse of right on the other side is admitted, the cause for doubting one’s own right is laid.”
- April 20, 1889 – April 30, 1945
- Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire
- Political leader of Nazi Germany
- As the leader of the Nazi Party, he caused World War II and led the Holocaust (the persecution and genocide of European Jews)
Quote
“As soon as by one’s own propaganda even a glimpse of right on the other side is admitted, the cause for doubting one’s own right is laid.”
Explanation
In this quote, Adolf Hitler emphasizes the importance of ideological purity and one-sided propaganda in maintaining control over the narrative. He suggests that if a regime or movement admits any validity or rightness on the opposing side, it risks undermining its own position and moral authority. This reflects Hitler’s belief in the absolute nature of the Nazi cause, where there could be no room for doubt or consideration of other perspectives. For Hitler, the success of propaganda relied on maintaining a rigid, unchallenged view of the world, and any concession to the opposition would weaken the strength of the Nazi ideology and its ability to justify its actions.
Historically, this quote sheds light on how the Nazi regime used propaganda to control the public perception of right and wrong. Nazi propaganda relentlessly portrayed Germany’s cause as not just politically justified, but morally superior, and it worked to completely demonize the enemy, portraying them as evil or illegitimate. This approach was central to the regime’s ability to rally support for war and atrocities, as the Nazis sought to create a monolithic view of righteousness. Any acknowledgment of alternative views or opposing arguments would have exposed cracks in the Nazi narrative and allowed doubt to seep in, which could weaken the regime’s grip on power.
In the modern world, this quote serves as a warning about the dangers of ideological extremism and one-sided narratives. It highlights how propaganda can be used to distort truth, promote falsehoods, and prevent critical thinking. When a society or political movement becomes unwilling to entertain or acknowledge the validity of opposing viewpoints, it risks falling into authoritarianism, where the truth is sacrificed for the sake of control. In today’s globalized world, it is crucial to encourage open dialogue, debate, and a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives in order to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and to promote a more balanced and compassionate worldview.
