“Success is the sole earthly judge of right and wrong.”
- 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
“Success is the sole earthly judge of right and wrong.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Adolf Hitler’s belief in pragmatism and the idea that the outcome of an action, rather than the morality behind it, determines its value. For Hitler, the success of his regime and the accomplishment of his goals — particularly in terms of territorial expansion and the establishment of the Nazi state — justified the means, no matter how morally questionable or violent they might have been. This perspective is rooted in realpolitik, where power and achievement define what is deemed right, disregarding ethical considerations. In this worldview, if an action leads to success, it is considered morally acceptable, regardless of the human cost or the harm it causes to others.
Historically, this ideology contributed to the atrocities committed under Nazi rule. The pursuit of national greatness and the establishment of a totalitarian regime were seen as noble goals, with the success of the Nazi state providing the justification for violence, war, and genocide. Hitler’s disregard for the rights of individuals and his belief that success was the ultimate measure of truth allowed him to pursue an agenda that caused untold suffering. The idea that “success” could justify the means led to moral corruption and the normalization of extreme violence and discrimination, especially during the Holocaust.
In today’s world, this quote raises important ethical questions about the consequences of prioritizing ends over means. While success is often celebrated in political, economic, and military contexts, this mindset can easily justify harmful actions or the exploitation of others. It serves as a reminder that ethical behavior should not be measured solely by success or failure, but by the impact of one’s actions on the well-being of others. By promoting accountability and moral integrity in decision-making, we can strive to build societies where the means of achieving success are just as important as the outcome.
