“Mankind has grown strong in eternal struggles and it will only perish through eternal peace.”
- 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)
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Quote
“Mankind has grown strong in eternal struggles and it will only perish through eternal peace.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Adolf Hitler’s belief in the necessity of struggle and conflict for the survival and strength of humanity. For Hitler, struggle was not only inevitable but essential for the advancement and growth of nations. The quote suggests that without conflict, societies would stagnate and weaken, leading to their eventual demise. In Hitler’s worldview, war and competition were seen as natural and even beneficial forces, helping to weed out the weak and ensuring the survival of the strongest. This mentality was central to Nazi ideology, which glorified militarism and expansionism as key to Germany’s future prosperity.
Historically, this perspective was used to justify the aggressive policies of Nazi Germany. The idea that constant struggle was essential to national strength provided a rationale for the expansionist wars that led to World War II, including the invasion of neighboring countries and the pursuit of racial purity through violent means. Hitler viewed peace not as a desirable state, but as a sign of weakness and decline. For him, conflict — whether through war or social upheaval — was an invigorating force that would purify and strengthen a nation, particularly in the context of Nazi Germany’s quest for dominance.
In the modern world, this quote can be seen as a warning against the glorification of violence and war as solutions to societal problems. While struggle and conflict have historically played a role in shaping nations, the belief that eternal peace would lead to humanity’s downfall is dangerous. Today, we recognize that peace and cooperation are essential for the long-term survival of humanity. Fostering a world where diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual understanding prevail is crucial for avoiding the destructive cycles of violence that Hitler advocated for. By emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution and the importance of international collaboration, we can work toward a more harmonious and sustainable future.
