No traditional conception of morals and ethics must disturb either the supreme State or the “heroes” who lead it. “World history occupies a higher ground… Moral claims which are irrelevant must not be brought into collision with world-historical deeds and their accomplishments. The litany of private virtues—modesty, humility, philanthropy and forbearance—must not be raised against them… So mighty a form [the State] must trample down many an innocent flower—crush to pieces many an object in its path.” Hegel foresees such a State for Germany when she has recovered her God-given genius. He
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