---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Schopenhauer had been Hitler's…"
description: "\"Schopenhauer had been Hitler's philosophical god in the early days. In power it was Nietzsche.\" — Ernst Hanfstaengl"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c8/ernst-hanfstaengl-38129_philosophical_schopenhauer-had-been-hitler-s-philosoph_1284676.jpg"
---

#  Schopenhauer had been Hitler's philosophical god in the…

![“Schopenhauer had been Hitler's philosophical god in the early days. In power it was Nietzsche.” quote by Ernst Hanfstaengl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c8/ernst-hanfstaengl-38129_philosophical_schopenhauer-had-been-hitler-s-philosoph_1284676.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c8/ernst-hanfstaengl-38129_philosophical_schopenhauer-had-been-hitler-s-philosoph_1284676.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0c8/ernst-hanfstaengl-38129_philosophical_schopenhauer-had-been-hitler-s-philosoph_1284676.jpg)

> “Schopenhauer had been Hitler's philosophical god in the early days. In power it was Nietzsche.”

[Ernst Hanfstaengl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernst-hanfstaengl/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Schopenhauer influenced early Hitler, later Nietzsche’s ideas prevailed, showing shifting philosophical influences in power.

**In simple terms:** Philosophies shifted from Schopenhauer to Nietzsche under Hitler.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how ideas shape leadership.

Themes

history philosophy politics

Mood

critical analytical

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

- propaganda
- policy formation
- leadership studies

Key Concepts

Schopenhauer Nietzsche ideological change

Questions to Reflect On

- Why did Hitler favor Nietzsche later?
- How do ideas legitimize authority?

A Different Perspective

Philosophical influence can be selective and politicized.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Hitler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hitler/) [Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nietzsche/) [Philosophical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophical/)

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