zAnt wrote:I wouldn't think I'd be attacked from this of all places. Old Bob, I respect your opinion, but I do not respect you wishing me hell. It reminds me of Christianity, and it surprises me.
A little back story of me, I am a historian. I mainly study the lives of those we consider extremist. Like Hitler, Stalin, Zedong, and men of that source. And also the Soviet Union.
I am not a Buddhist, not at this point, but I wish to be considered one in the future.
Have you ever been in Hitlers shoes?
Once, when he was studying art, He lived in a dorm with a man whom was Jewish. Hitler was going to his classes and it was raining outside. His room-mate offered him his coat before he left the dorm. Much later, when he has became the Dictator of Germany, and his plan of extermination was coming intact, he made sure that his friend was never harmed. He shipped him out of the country, and to somewhere safe. Although he created this reign of terror, he made benevolent decision. But he by no means was a benevolent person.
This is why I said people should not be judged by those two words, only their actions should.
Dear zAnt and all,
I sincerely apologize if anything I said was interpreted in such a way as to indicate that I wished you to "go to hell." I did not, and do not, wish this in any way.
Ultimately, only you can send yourself. When I wrote: "Have a nice rebirth, but I don't think it will be too nice," This is not a curse, or a wish, but an honest appraisal of what I fear you will face, both in this life and possibly others if you are seen as an apologist, or supporter, of Hitler and his values.
My references to hell were to suggest to you that if you are presenting Hitler as a good guy, benevolent in any way, out of the context of his reign of terror, as you call it, then this provokes a visceral reaction, from many, which will be directed against you for appearing to be a protagonist for Hitler, and his values.
This should not surprise you. If you are publishing a view that Hitler was benevolent without clearly distancing yourself from his actions and values, I am sure that you will be chastised by your academic peers.
I listed the rather graphic, 18 hells to "get your attention." Seems like it worked. That is its purpose.
The key point is that this whole subject of post Holocaust history formulation, is an area that is highly emotional for many people, on all sides. I think that most people think of Hitler and his values with shock and horror. Without voicing that shock and horror, and making clear your personal distance, from Hitler and his values, you run the risk of being seen as a Hitler admirer by saying that he was benevolent in any way. I fear this will send you to "hell".
Please note:You had previously written in your first post in this thread, "Hitler did wish good for the pure Germans. So some of his acts are benevolen, and really we can only classify acts to benevolent and maleovent, rather then classifying characters as such." In the absence of a shock and horror disclaimer, you can see how your statement led to my hell, fire, and brimstone reply.
Please note that I ended my previous post to you with the word "best". This is short for best wishes.
Best,
oldbob