From the writings of Otto Dietrich
“…But for the renaissance of the German Nation—as we know today—Adolf Hitler means everything.
His will was the law which created the foundation of the National Socialist Movement of thirteen years ago, from the first seven, who entered the field to conquer the nation, up to the army of millions of today. His spirit, alone directing and responsible, has waged this immense struggle in every phase of the battle until the final victory. We call Adolf Hitler our “Leader,” because that is what he is. He united State and Nation in Germany.
This truly German National State does not rest on outward appearance or on bayonets; it is deeply rooted in German hearts. The creator's personality represents for the Nation the conception and the contents of the new “Reich.” Hitler is Germany and Germany is Hitler. Germany is embodied in Adolf Hitler today, because she is re-echoed in his personality.
Only the eyewitness, who has experienced day by day, at the side of Adolf Hitler, the wave of love and enthusiasm which greets him from every class of German, can realise that such ovations, so rare in the life of statesmen, signify no artificial feeling, but genuine affection.
Adolf Hitler's journeys—although, at his express request, everything is done to keep them secret from the public—are one long triumphal procession. Throughout the country, wherever he goes, the news of his presence and passage spreads like wildfire, by phone or by word of mouth. Hundreds, thousands throng the streets and roads, and surge towards his car. Young and old, men and women, with faces full of joyful enthusiasm, delight in seeing their leader, in shaking his hand, in being allowed to tell and speak of him. Where has there ever been a ruler, a crowned head fêted by so many people, as Adolf Hitler?
Whoever has not witnessed these scenes simply cannot conceive them. There is no outward show, no accomplished work, no preparation, no suggestion. Impulsively they all follow their heart's desire, moved by an inner, irresistible power. The scenes, which we witness day by day, are touching and heart-rending. They are not isolated examples, but occur everywhere. Each time in different form, with greater or with less emotion, but quite equally significant in their result.
The people cling to their leader. They love him and trust him completely, infinitely. Adolf Hitler feels this unique, living bond with his people as the most glorious blessing of his life. He has frequently expressed this feeling to me, and from it he always draws fresh strength for the execution of his great work. Thus, an inexhaustible source of strength lies in this alternating effect of people and leader.
I have often considered where the deepest secret of his personal influence upon the people, upon the broad masses, lies. From a purely external point of view and as a psychological question, I am interested in this problem, which today occupies the minds of millions of Germans, because it has never previously appeared so pronouncedly and in such a singular form.
It is difficult to find an explanation within the scope of the intellect. Who does not still remember the ridiculous arguments, maintained during the struggle for power, by our opponents, who wanted to convince their public that Adolf Hitler, the orator and demagogue, influences and fascinates the masses? In the meanwhile, they will have realised that Adolf Hitler does not persuade but convinces conclusively. Not as orator, but as “Man,” Adolf Hitler exercises that immense impression upon all who come into contact with him.
I have questioned numerous personalities, closely attached to Adolf Hitler, and asked their opinion as to where they see the determinant feature of the effect of his personality—without receiving a satisfactory reply. Probably the explanation, given to me recently by the Reichsbank President, Schacht, as his personal opinion, is the nearest approach to the truth: “Hitler speaks out his soul in every word he utters! Hitler has faith in himself and in what he says! Hitler possesses that quality so rare today—he is true! The people feel that he is true, and that is why they cling so fast to him!”
The last word upon Adolf Hitler's personality shall ever remain a mystery to us, who marvel anew, each day, at his truly ingenious spirit. Whoever might believe that some prodigy or some decree of Providence directs the way of the German people, may see these supernatural powers prevalent in Adolf Hitler's personality. The God-favoured man goes his way, because he must. Here the phrase, that faith moves mountains, is proved. The faith of Adolf Hitler and the faith in Adolf Hitler.
Whatever may be the explanation of this mystery of Adolf Hitler's personality, and the faith in him, his tremendous popularity is a power of immense strength in Germany today. This is a power which is original and without example in the government of nations. Neither Emperor nor King, Despot nor Tyrant, rules over this new Germany of discipline and authority: The “Dritte Reich” is governed by the Power of Personality…
The indomitable heroism of the Nibelungen Nation was revived in Adolf Hitler; the flame of heroism blazed forth once more. In the midst of the chaos of the German downfall he began, in faithful devotion to his call and only animated by glowing patriotism, the struggle for the soul of the German people.
