Helmuth James Quote

“Since National Socialism came to power, I have striven to make its consequences milder for its victims and to prepare the way for a change. In that, my conscience drove me -- and in the end, that is a man's duty.”

~ Helmuth James

January 1945, in a letter written while in custody before being executed, he revealed his motivation for resistance to his two sons.

Ratings and Comments


jim k, Austin,Tx

National Socialism, not a bad name for what the Obamacrats are trying to accomplish.

cal, lewisville, tx

True Jim K. I've always wondered why WWII soldiers went overseas to fight against centralized power leaders there and then return and vote for Harry Truman and LBJ who centralized power here.

Wayne, Naples

The quote is not real clear. But it is good that Mr. James was true to a good conscience.

Monkin, Columbia, MO

It takes a very brave man to stand by his convictions even though he knows that those convictions surely will result in the instrument of his own death.

E Archer, NYC

I followed the link to Helmuth James to wikipedia and read his bio. He was charged with treason for meeting with other people who were discussing what the German people could do if Germany lost the war. 'Treason' is what the ruler calls any opposition to his power. If the ruler is just and worthy of the power, those he rules will support him. If the ruler has stolen the power and oppresses the people, his supporters will wane. But the republican form of government for the United States does not establish a 'ruling' regime. In America, because the free and honorable People have first ruled themselves, they have allied upon the ideal of mutual protection of and helpfulness towards each other, a system to be administered by elected citizens and for a limited time. National Democratic Socialism is indeed what the government of the USA has become -- the GOP and Demos merely define the wings. I fear that we Americans may not be able to stop our corrupted system of government before it is too late. And then history will repeat itself... except this time WE will be the defeated and broken nation. I for one am with Helmuth James and plan for a future without National Democratic Socialism.

Mike, Norwalk

It is the moral duty of all free men that understand the liberty of a constitutionally limiting representative republic to do all in their power to re-establish freedom (not just make consequences milder), usurped by the statist theocracy infesting this land's national socialism.

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