Single Idea 20674

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

The main ambition of the Nazis was to protect humankind from degeneration and encourage its progressive evolution. …Given the state of scientific knowledge in 1933, Nazi beliefs were hardly outside the pale.

Gist of Idea

The Nazi aim was to encourage progressive evolution, and avoid degeneration

Source

Yuval Noah Harari (Sapiens: brief history of humankind [2014], 12 'Worship')

Book Reference

Harari,Yuval Noah: 'Sapiens: a brief history of Humankind' [Vintage 2014], p.258


A Reaction

It still sounds a fairly worthy ambition, close to the heart of educationalists everywhere. The problems start with the definition of 'degeneration' and 'progress'.