“Struggle is the father of all things. It is not by the principles of humanity that man lives or is able to preserve himself above the animal world, but solely by means of the most brutal struggle.”
- 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
“Struggle is the father of all things. It is not by the principles of humanity that man lives or is able to preserve himself above the animal world, but solely by means of the most brutal struggle.”
Explanation
In this quote, Adolf Hitler espouses the idea that struggle — particularly brutal conflict — is the fundamental driving force behind human existence and progress. He rejects the notion that human life is guided by principles of morality, compassion, or humanity; instead, he emphasizes that survival and achievement come through ruthless competition and the elimination of the weak. This perspective reflects Hitler’s Social Darwinist beliefs, where he saw society as a battlefield where only the strongest would prevail, much like the natural world. The idea of brutal struggle was central to Nazi ideology, justifying not only military aggression but also racial purity and the violent conquest of weaker nations.
Historically, this quote aligns with the Nazi regime’s justification for expansionism, militarism, and the extermination of certain groups. Hitler used this view of struggle to rationalize the horrific policies that led to the Holocaust and World War II, presenting them as necessary actions for the survival of the German “master race”. In his eyes, war and conflict were natural processes that strengthened a nation, and the weak (whether individuals or nations) had no place in this brutal vision of society. This idea was central to Nazi propaganda, which sought to glorify warfare and violence as tools for national rejuvenation.
In the present day, this quote serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of glorifying violence and conflict as solutions to societal problems. While struggle and competition have historically driven innovation and change, the idea that brutality is necessary for progress leads to dangerous ideologies and actions. The modern world emphasizes cooperation, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution as means of achieving progress without resorting to violence. Understanding the perils of viewing life through a lens of constant struggle can help ensure that humanity focuses on promoting peace, justice, and solidarity, rather than perpetuating harmful cycles of conflict.
