Why Hitler Wanted to Exterminate Mentally Disabled: Understanding the Extremes of Eugenics and Social Policy

Understanding the motive behind Hitler's extermination of the mentally disabled during the Holocaust requires a deep exploration of the broader context of eugenics and social hygiene. This topic is complex and multi-faceted, involving scientific, philosophical, and ideological principles.

1. Darwinism - Eugenics

Hitler was deeply influenced by evolutionary theories and the concept of eugenics. In his younger days, he absorbed much from the Volkish Movement, which romanticized the German past and delved into Germanic mythology and ancient pagan beliefs. This period included admiration for the Spartans and their rigorous standards, as well as the principles of Social Darwinism.

In nature, the fittest individuals survive and reproduce, while the weaker and less fit are culled. Hitler believed that modern civilization, by sustaining lesser offspring and not allowing natural selection to work, was violating the laws of nature. He advocated for deliberate elimination through eugenics, stating that those deemed 'unfit' should be removed to ensure the genetic purity and strength of the Aryan race.

Hitler supported a Nazified version of eugenics, including the sterilization and euthanasia of those with mental and physical disabilities, in line with Ancient Sparta’s practices and the eugenic policies of various primitive cultures. The connection between scientific theories and the actions taken by the Nazi regime is stark and alarming.

According to Thomas Childers, Hitler's_tables talkange public support for a nuclear family and scientific concepts, broad scientific concepts of Social Darwinism declined and were largely discredited by the end of World War II.

2. Selfishness - No Useless Mouths

The concept of "no useless mouths" aligns with Nietzsche's philosophy of the übermensch or the Overman. Friedrich Nietzsche, a prolific philosopher, believed in the supremacy of the strong and the rejection of the weak. According to Nietzsche, individuals deemed 'useless' or 'unfit' should not be supported by society, as their continued existence was seen as a drain on resources.

Hitler's views on this were driven by a sense of self-preservation and the desire to allocate resources more efficiently. In a militaristic society like that of Germany during the Nazi era, conformity to socially expected norms was crucial. Those who did not conform, whether due to mental or physical disability, were seen as a burden on society and necessary to be removed.

Hitler's personal support for individuals with certain disabilities, such as those who were deaf or had Down syndrome, while sparing those with higher intelligence, such as Jews, further reinforces the idea that the motive was not about intelligence but about race and fitness.

3. Regimentation - Conforming to an Ideal

A regimented society requires conformity to established norms and standards. Hitler and the Nazis believed in a utopian society where everyone conformed to the ideal of the Aryan race. Any deviation from this ideal, whether due to mental or physical disability, was seen as a threat to social cohesion and the purity of the race.

Hitler's brother, Alois, had been deformed and imbecilic, which may have influenced Hitler's views on the mentally and physically disabled. The family physician, Dr. Bloch, had noted that at least one of the siblings of Adolf Hitler was deformed and imbecilic, adding to the cycle of eugenics and social hygiene.

The broader context of Nazi Germany's policies shows that the extermination of the mentally disabled was part of a wider ideological and social framework aimed at creating a pure and powerful nation. While the specific reasoning varied, the common thread was the belief that the weak and less fit should be removed to maintain the superiority of the Aryan race.

Understanding the motivations behind Hitler's actions requires a deep dive into historical, ideological, and sociological contexts. The legacy of these actions continues to haunt society, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing extremist ideologies to take hold.