Johne

Joseph Goebbels was an instrumental participant in Hitler’s “Final Solution.” Rising from humble ancestry and physical disability, Goebbels used his intellectual abilities to earn an influential post in the Nazi party, which he joined in 1924. While relatively unpopular due to his cynicism, Goebbels became good friends with Hitler. In 1928, Hitler appointed him to the position of Chief of Propaganda. Here, the skills that failed to win him a successful career as a novelist and playwright were harnessed to control the German people and convince them of the threats posed by the Jews. Goebbels’s clever oratory and masterful control of the press allowed Hitler to become chancellor and establish a fascist state. Even when the Nazi empire began to crumble after the fall of Stalingrad in 1943, Goebbels was able to maintain the Nazi grip on Germany. When inevitable defeat finally became evident to all in 1945, Goebbels followed his friend Hitler to the subterranean Führerbunker. Hitler committed suicide on April 30, leaving Goebbels as the supreme leader of what remained of Germany. However, this power would not last for long. The following day, Goebbels and his family chose to commit suicide rather than to be captured by the Russians.

Joseph Goebbels was a fascinating individual. I was particularly impressed by the way that he used his powerful mind to overcome economic and physical problems. Additionally, he proved that even extraordinarily brilliant geniuses may be corrupted by absurd and terrible beliefs. In a sense, Goebbels destroys all respect for talent alone. Instead, ability must be combined with a capability to act morally.