Yet what, in fact, is at the root of this
divergence of method? I see two fundamental differences ; first, a differ- ent interpretation of Herr Hitler's mentality and intentions ; secondly, a different conception of the spirit of the British people. The Fiihrer is an abnormal person and one who has never been able to find in ordinary human intercourse release from the almost daemonic pressure of his own egoism. His addiction to hatred is pathological, and he sees in war the supreme consummation of his dominant instinct: the instinct for violence. Observers of his behaviour after the Munich settlement have reported that the gusts of rage, jealousy and mortification which then swept over him transcended all normal political feelings and suggested the frustration of some overwhelming passion. Politically he obtained at Munich one of the greatest triumphs in diplo- matic history ; yet his nerves remained jarred and jangled by the denial of his full fulfilment of martial potency. Let us recall, in his own words, the feelings of hysterical relief which he derived from the declaration of war in 1914: " In those hours I experienced as it were a release from all the vexatious experiences of my youth. I was over- whelmed by a tempest of inspiration. I sank upon my knees and with an overflowing heart I thanked heaven for having accorded me the happiness of being alive at such a time."
I recommend this passage to the psycho-analyst. * * * *
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