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American Perspective from Oslo.Read Less
Since President Trump started his campaign run and later winning the presidency, journalists worldwide have been comparing him to Hitler. The words Nazi and Hitler has been tossed around loosely with very little thought into what they mean. Very few of those journalists, making that comparison, have taken the time to read Mein Kampf and the Art of the Deal. Instead, they opt instead for soundbites, taken out of context, to support their superficial comparison. Over the past several weeks, I re-read both books: The Ford Translation of Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler, and The Art of the Deal, written by Donald Trump. (I read both books in the 1990’s). Moreover, I also listened to the accompanying audio books, gaining further insight into the tones. This analysis mainly focuses on the personal attributes and the years before each author achieved notoriety. Mein Kampf Overview Published in two volumes in 1924 and 1927 by Eher Verlag, the original German version contained 720 pages. It was completed before Hitler achieved fame. He actually did not write the book but rather dictated the contents. Rudolph Hess and Emil Morris composed Volume 1 while in prison with Adolph Hitler. His secretary composed Volume 2, after he got out of jail, while he was on a retreat in a mountain cottage. “My Struggle” or “My Battle for the People” is approximately 30% autobiography, 30% documentation of post-war Germany, and 40% political manifesto. Documenting his personal defeats, Hitler doesn’t take personal responsibility. Rather he blames the Jews, Communists and foreign powers. The historical aspects, covering postwar Germany are interesting and everyone should understand how the hyperinflation came about. However, a pervasive theme of resentment and “how things should be,” prevails throughout the book. Nevertheless, Hitler does offer specific ideas on how to plan every aspect of society. After reading this book, spending over five years living in Norway and Sweden, and working on Wall Street, I believe that the 4th Reich lives on: hidden within European socialism and the modern financial institutions. This book should be required reading but it’s not enjoyable and it takes some work to get through it. Mein Kampf Table of Contents Volume 1 is about post WWI German History and Hitler’s life Volume 2 is the Nazi Manual, including history, procedures and visions Volume One: A Reckoning Chapter 1: In the House of My Parents Chapter 2: Years of Study and Suffering in Vienna Chapter 3: General Political Considerations Based on My Vienna Period Chapter 4: Munich Chapter 5: The World War Chapter 6: War Propaganda Chapter 7: The Revolution Chapter 8: The Beginning of My Political Activity Chapter 9: The "German Workers' Party" Chapter 10: Causes of the Collapse Chapter 11: Nation and Race Chapter 12: The First Period of Development of the National Socialist German Workers' Party Volume Two: The National Socialist Movement Chapter 1: Philosophy and Party Chapter 2: The State Chapter 3: Subjects and Citizens Chapter 4: Personality and the Conception of the Völkisch State Chapter 5: Philosophy and Organization Chapter 6: The Struggle of the Early Period – the Significance of the Spoken Word Chapter 7: The Struggle with the Red Front Chapter 8: The Strong Man Is Mightiest Alone Chapter 9: Basic Ideas Regarding the Meaning and Organization of the Sturmabteilung Chapter 10: Federalism as a Mask Chapter 11: Propaganda and Organization Chapter 12: The Trade-Union Question Chapter 13: German Alliance Policy After the War Chapter 14: Eastern Orientation or Eastern Policy Chapter 15: The Right of Emergency Defense Conclusion Index The Art of the Deal Overview Originally published in 1987 by Random House, the book contained 372 pages. It was ghostwritten by Tony Schwartz after Donald Trump achieved fame and fortune. The Art of the deal is 30% autobiography,