ePub Hitler’s Ethic: The Nazi Pursuit of Evolutionary Progress by R. Weikart in History

Review

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Well ArguedBy Russ WhiteIn a culture where Darwinism is almost a religious belief; and the name "Hitler" has become a byword for "evil;" one point that will be hotly contested is how these two men are tied together (see the negative reviews on this item; for instance). Darwinian Evolution is seen as scientific; intelligent; and "left wing;" while Nazism is seen as anti-scientific; unintelligent; and "right wing" -- and there's no way the two can ever meet; except on the battlefield.Richard Weikart explodes the mythical separation of evolutionary thought from Hitler in this well researched and well documented book. Working from Hitler's writings and speeches; he shows how Hitler attempted to follow what he considered to be an "evolutionary ethic;" that by placing an evolutionary framework around Hitler's thought; we can make sense of the many apparently contradictory strands. From compulsory sterilization to the promotion of childbirth; Hitler had one aim in mind: the dominance of his race. He believed the dominance of one race over all others was part and parcel of the evolutionary project.The author takes his reader through eight distinct areas of Hitler's thought; using not only Hitler's speeches and writings; but also the writings of those who interacted with Hitler; to carefully analyze what Hitler believed about each one. Once this is established; he examines others in the same era who upheld these same thoughts; returning time and again to Darwin and his champions throughout the scientific world; and the world of social evolutionary thought that paralleled the rise of evolution as a thought system.He begins by documenting how Hitler was a moral crusade even through his lies -- how the two are attached through the concept of discarding lower moral concepts for higher ones. From here; the author examines the concept of evolutionary progress as an overriding concern among intellectuals of the time; and continues into the idea of racial struggle so prominent in Hitler's thought. Weikart deals with "the Jewish question;" next; showing how the outworking of Hitler's thought on racial struggle became his attempt to destroy the Jews in the world -- how he saw the Jews as a sort of "anti-evolutionary type;" tearing down what nature was building the future of man.Hilter's socialism is next; with an extended discussion of how Hitler saw socialism as the most advanced economic system; even though he allowed private enterprise as a matter of expediency. The next two chapters deal with the apparent contradictions in Hitler's policies on children and families; explained by noting that Hitler wanted to increase the German population while reducing other populations through abortion; sterilization; and birth control. It's interesting that many Christian leaders accepted Hitler on this single point of agreement; without ever examining the basis for his rants against birth control and abortion. In the final two chapters; Weikart works through why Hitler went to war; and how he justified the murder of millions in the name of his social programs.Overall; this is a well written; and well documented book. Agree or disagree with the author's thesis; there is a lot of material here that needs to be dealt with intelligently to separate Hitler from the evolutionary ethic he so clearly endorsed and implemented.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. amazing; down to earth book that answers some intriguing ...By Customeramazing; down to earth book that answers some intriguing questions and explains why and how certain things not only happen but also what caused this happening.9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Snapshot of Hitler's DoctrineBy Virginia C. HughesThis is a concise paperback that details the ethos Hitler followed during his reign. A brief chronology is offered and elements of eugenics; anti-semitism; living space; war; Darwinism; and most of all struggle. Struggle is a constant theme throughout the book. Hitler's view on the African Negro is also highlighted which is not mentioned in many other books and thought it added another dimension to his views on the master race. His ideas on socialism and nationalism all point to survival and evolution of the Aryan race. This definition deviates from other views on socialism where public goods and welfare predominate. It was interesting hearing the social programs and annual programs for helping the poor and stew Sundays. These programs are also uniquely discussed in this book compared to others motivating a sense of community and charity among the German people. These programs of course occurred early in his tenure as Chancellor. His preponderance for the convenient lie is also a major theme in this book. Lies were opportunistic in advancing his doctrine. For example; the Germans in Czech are suffering boosting national support for invading that country in 1939 and coming to their aid. Propaganda was paramount to effecting his policies; were they lies or were they moral to him because the ends justified the means. It is clear that he preached to the German people the volk is superior to the individual in preservation of the former and war is necessary to progress and evolution of the German people. All of his motives appear to support the goal of preserving the Aryan race. If the ill and decrepid are using up funds that could be used to support the war effort; they must be sacraficed for the volk. If any people are interfering with might of the volk they must be sacraficed; i.e. Jews. It was interesting reading the definition of how a Jew was defined; looking toward the number of grandparents and synogogue involvement; seemingly unscientific. The fact that initially Hitler did not purport extermination of the Jews until it was evident deportation was no longer viable is also consistent with other publications. His views on living space were in line with survival of the fittest in that he felt land is for the taking when the stronger people defeat the weaker and he also feared a China scenario where running out of living space would depress the volk. Although he thought the Japanese were sub par to the Aryan race; he was flexible on his ideological policies when he needed to be. this was also the case with the German mother. In one instance he purported the main purpose of women was reproduction; however; when labor was needed to support the war; he altered his policies. In April 1945; when it was clear the end was near; true to his doctrine and interviews from persons in the bunker he accepted that a stronger people(s) had defeated a weaker one. The laws of nature prevailed. He deferred his individualism role as leader of the people to the volk in defeat; he did not act to evacuate people from Berlin. Was this his own flawed character or was he kneeling to his own doctrine of national socialism? Both may be true. A rich source of knowledge and philosophy.