“Those who want to live, let them fight, and those who do not want to fight in this world of eternal struggle do not deserve to live.”
- 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
“Those who want to live, let them fight, and those who do not want to fight in this world of eternal struggle do not deserve to live.”
Explanation
In this quote, Adolf Hitler expresses his belief that life is defined by struggle, and only those who are willing to engage in constant conflict deserve to survive. This reflects his Darwinian view of society, where he saw nations and individuals as locked in an eternal battle for survival and dominance. According to this perspective, weakness or refusal to engage in this struggle—whether through military combat, national expansion, or ideological warfare—was seen as a fatal flaw. For Hitler, this was not just a metaphorical struggle, but a justification for the violence and aggression that were central to Nazi policy, particularly in terms of racial purity and territorial conquest.
Historically, this quote encapsulates the extreme militaristic and imperialistic nature of Nazi ideology. It was used to justify wars of aggression, including the invasions of Poland and other countries, as well as the extermination of millions of people during the Holocaust. Hitler’s philosophy of struggle was tied to a belief in the superiority of the “Aryan race,” and the concept of “life unworthy of life” was used to rationalize the killing of those deemed inferior or undesirable, including Jews, Romani people, disabled individuals, and others. This view allowed the Nazi regime to pursue genocidal policies without regard for the inherent value of human life.
In the present day, this quote serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme ideologies that glorify violence and war. It reflects a worldview that dehumanizes those who do not conform to a specific, often authoritarian, vision of strength and survival. This mindset has led to some of the most horrific atrocities in history, and underscores the importance of peace, cooperation, and human rights in ensuring that all people, regardless of background or ideology, are valued and protected. Promoting a world where dialogue, compassion, and collaboration are seen as strengths—rather than weakness—is crucial to preventing the kind of destructive conflicts and genocidal policies advocated by Hitler.
