Summary
Stephen Hicks: Nietzsche and the Nazis
After considering the theory and practice of National Socialism and an insight into the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, we can ask the most important question - as it were, the question of all questions: to what extent did Nietzsche and the Nazis have points of contact? In other words: were the Nazis right to portray Nietzsche as their predecessor? It is known that Adolf Hitler, Joseph Goebbels and most of the leading intellectuals of National Socialism sincerely appreciated Nietzsche's philosophy. They read it passionately in the years of their intellectual maturation, recommended it to their associates and colleagues, and weaved its themes and thoughts into their own works, speeches and political programs. But how precise were they and was it justified? In my opinion, the answer to that complex question is - both yes and no. In several very important respects the Nazis indeed had reason to regard Nietzsche as their predecessor and like-minded. At the same time, Nietzsche would rightly be appalled by the extent to which his philosophy has been misinterpreted and misused.
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