You are overwhelmed with snippets of bad things Adolf Hitler has done during the Third Reich. Hardly, any mention for his good side. To do justice, I have done a bit of a research proving that Fuhrer had good side too. Here are my gleanings:
1. Vegetarianism: This may surprise many. Adolf Hitler is a strict vegetarian. He abhorred the inhumane slaughter method followed in Germany at that time. He never allowed meat items to be served for him as food. In fact, he was campaigning for humane ways of animal slaughter method including rendering the animal go unconscious and ensuring that the victim does not feel fear or pain of death. He legislated the need for humane slaughter methods which Nordic countries follow today in a big way.
2. Teetotaller: Even during the winter period, Hitler would neither consume nor serve liquor to others. Alcohol has no place in the kitchen of Hitler household. Specially, the Fuhrer did not encourage people around him drinking alcohol in any form.
3. Smoking is anathema: During a
meeting with King Carol II of Romania on November 24, 1938, the King lit a
cigar in the presence of the Fuhrer despite smoking was banned at the venue. Even though Hitler was offended he allowed it
to proceed but reminded the monarch about smoking ban in a strict and rough tone.
After this meeting the king made a famous statement “How dare a corporal reproach a king for smoking”.
4. Public health programmes: Quite a
number of public health programmes were undertaken at the direction of the
Fuhrer. These programmes had themes such as evils of alcohol as well as
smoking. Pointedly, Hitler was the first leader of a western country who linked lung cancer to smoking
and consuming alcohol to pre-mature death.
5. Winter Relief: known as “Winterhilfswork” the Fuhrer
ordered provision of food, winter clothing, warming oil and opening shelters
for senior citizens, the poor and distressed people.
6. Child welfare: Being fond of
children, the Fuhrer ordered that child allowance “Kindegeld” be allocated to those who cannot
afford to take care of their precious kids.
7. Mother’s Day: Klara Hitler who is the mother of Fuhrer was suffering from lung cancer. Just turned 18, Hitler was consoling her beloved mother and spent more than six months of her last stage looking after her. When she died on 21/12/1907 Hitler could not bear his sorrow. The physician who looked after his mother was one Eduard Blush. He recalled that he has never seen a son taking care of the mother and the grief he has shown at her death. Incidentally, when Eduard wished to leave for America, Hitler made special arrangement for his safe journey out of Germany. Hence the declaration of the Muttertag!
Navigating strategy amid geoeconomics, therefore mandates Germany to look at the good side of Adolf Hitler and emulate it!
Cheers!
Muthu Ashraff
Strategy Adviser
Mobile: + 94 777 265677
E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com
Blog: Strategy Adviser