This kind of community, however, cannot be created primarily through coercion, but only through the compelling force of an idea and thus by the exertions of ongoing education.
[ . . . ]
There are people who, even when faced with the greatest and most unsettling events, are completely incapable of any kind of inner reflection, let alone action. These people are also personally dead on the inside and thus useless to a community. They make no history themselves, and no history can be made with them. In their narrow-mindedness or blasé decadence they are the useless waste product of nature [Ausschußware der Natur].
They find their own inner consolation or satisfaction in the thought that their supposed cleverness or wisdom allows them to stand above the events of the day – or, to say it better, makes them ignorant. Now, one can well imagine that a Volk could posses not a single such ignoramus and still be capable of the greatest acts and deeds.
It is impossible, however, to imagine – let alone lead – a nation consisting mostly of such ignoramuses instead of pure-blooded masses of idealistic, believing, affirming people. The latter are the only valuable elements of a Volk community. A thousand weaknesses will be forgiven them as long as they have this one strength, that of being able to give – if necessary – their all for an ideal or an idea!
[ . . . ]
My dear deputies, we still stand before enormous, tremendous tasks! A new leadership class of our Volk must be built up. Its composition is dependent upon race. But it is equally necessary to demand and ensure, through the educational system and our educational methods, that courage and an eagerness to accept responsibility are the self-evident preconditions for the assumption of any public office.
When it comes to the filling of leading posts in the state and party, character should be valued more highly than so-called academic or supposed intellectual qualifications. For wherever leadership is called for, the crucial factor should not be abstract knowledge, but an inborn capacity to lead and with it, a high measure of eagerness to assume responsibility, with all the accompanying determination, courage, and persistence.
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