A German's Story: Haffner's Memoirs, 1914-1933

This book is a memoir of the youth of Sebastian Haffner, a famous German political commentator and historical writer. The book begins in the summer of 1914, on the eve of the outbreak of the First World War, and ends at the end of 1933, when Haffner was a "candidate civil servant"...

The book "Haffner's Memoirs: 1914-1933" presents a historical and humanistic picture from the First World War to the rise of Nazi Germany. The following are 20 wonderful sentences or paragraphs (please note that the actual content may vary due to different versions or translations, and this is only a sample selection): 1. "In my childhood memory, those officers in uniform always stood up straight, as if they were the embodiment of the German spirit." - This sentence reflects the worship and awe of military power in German society at that time. 2. "In the summer of 1914, the sun was still shining, but our lives were shrouded in the shadow of war." - Using natural phenomena to metaphorically represent the great changes in social history, highlighting the ruthlessness and sudden changes of war. 3. "Whenever night falls, Wagner's music flows out of my father's phonograph, as if it is a tragic premonition of the unknown fate to come." - Through the description of music and daily life details, it conveys the complex psychological atmosphere of people on the eve of the era of change. 4. "In the trenches, we saw the truest side of human nature: both selfless dedication and selfish betrayal." - A profound insight into human nature during wartime, showing the extreme test of war on individuals. 5. "My youth was spent in hunger and despair, but it was these sufferings that shaped my indestructible will." - This sentence expresses the close connection between personal growth and the background of the times, as well as the forging effect of suffering on people's spirit. 6. "I witnessed the scene on the streets of Germany after the defeat: broken bricks, depressed faces, and lost hope." - Through specific and vivid pictures, it reproduces the heavy blow that the defeat brought to the country and the suffering of the people. 7. "In those dark years, books became my only comfort and light." - This sentence highlights the power of culture and knowledge in difficult times. 8. "The establishment of the Weimar Republic was like the dawn of light. We thought we saw new hope, but what followed was even deeper disappointment." - An accurate portrayal of the political and social conditions in Germany during the Weimar Republic, showing people's complex and contradictory attitudes towards the new regime. 9. "Inflation devours our savings, but what is more terrible is that it wears away people's will and confidence in the future." - In-depth analysis of the negative impact of inflation on social psychology. 10. "Street politics and speeches in beer halls have become a hotbed of radical ideas, and many people of our generation are attracted to them." - Reflects the radicalization of the political atmosphere in Germany at that time and the enthusiasm of young people to participate in politics. 11. "When Hitler gave his first speech on the street, I was moved by his words. It was an exciting rhythm that made people's blood boil." - Reveals the influence of Hitler's early political charm on the people, especially young people. 12. "The rise of the Nazis was not accidental. It was rooted in the Germans' desire for glory and order, and their pursuit of lost identity." - Analyzes the reasons for the Nazis' rise to power from the perspective of history and social psychology. 13. "I witnessed how the Nazis gradually changed from a marginal small party to the rulers who controlled the fate of Germany." - As a witness of history, it reveals the process of political power change. 14. "In the carnival of the 'Third Reich', many of us chose to follow blindly because we were afraid of being different and afraid of being alone." - A profound reflection on the role of collective unconsciousness and herd mentality in the rise of totalitarianism. 15. "The book burning movement frightened me, not only because the books were destroyed, but also because the freedom of thought was imprisoned." - Criticized the suppression of knowledge and freedom of thought, and showed the far-reaching impact of the book burning movement. 16. "Even under the lies of the 'Thousand-Year Empire', there are still people who maintain a clear mind and independent judgment." - Emphasized the importance of personal courage and independent thinking under totalitarian rule. 17. "When power is abused, every silent person is an accomplice." - This wise saying reveals the lack of social responsibility and moral courage that fuels tyranny. 18. "I began to doubt whether the motherland I once loved deeply has been lost in the fanatical nationalism and the clamor of war." - Expressed the author's concern for the fate of the motherland and a deep reflection on nationalist sentiment. 19. "As the war approaches, the air in Germany is filled with an unspeakable tension and enthusiasm." - Through the rendering of the environment and atmosphere, it foreshadows the coming storm of war. 20. "Looking back on this period of history, I feel both sad and angry, but more of a firmness and hope for the future." - As the ending of the memoir, this sentence reflects the author's reflection on the past and his belief in the future, conveying a positive view of history.

Title: Sebastian Haffner: Witness of German History and Thought Sebastian Haffner (formerly known as Raimund Pretzel) is a German journalist, political commentator and historian.< His works are known for their profound historical insight and unique personal perspective, presenting readers with a German perspective of 20th century Germany.

Basic Personal Information Haffner was born in Berlin in 1907.< His family background and upbringing provided rich material for his later writing.

In 1938, in order to escape Nazi persecution, Haffner went into exile in Britain, where he spent World War II and began his writing career.< Education and Career Background Haffner received a good education in Germany and later studied law at Humboldt University of Berlin.

His academic background provided a solid foundation for his later historical research and political commentary.< Writing Career Haffner's writing career began in the 1950s, and his works cover a variety of fields such as history, politics, and law.

Among them, "A German's Story: Haffner's Memoirs, 1914-1933" is one of his most famous works.< Through personal experience, it reveals the changes in German society and the rise of the Nazis.

Style and theme of works Haffner's works are known for rigorous historical research, profound social insights and vivid narrative style.< The themes of his works mostly revolve around German history, politics and social issues, especially the critical analysis of Nazi Germany.

Personal life Haffner's personal life is relatively low-key, and he has devoted more of his energy to writing and research.< His personal experience, especially his life in exile, has had a profound impact on his writing.

Social influence Haffner's works have had an important impact on historical research in Germany and even the world.< His historical views and political positions, especially his criticism of Nazi Germany, have provided important references for later historians and political commentators.

Quotes and comments The New York Times once commented that Haffner's works are "a profound reflection on German history in the 20th century.< " German historian Hans-Ulrich Weller also praised Haffner as a "writer with profound historical insight.

" Latest News Although Haffner died in 1999, his works are still widely circulated around the world and have a profound impact on later generations.< His historical views and political positions, especially his criticism of Nazi Germany, are still widely discussed and quoted.

In general, Sebastian Haffner is an important German historian and political commentator, and his works provide us with valuable perspectives and profound insights into the history of Germany in the 20th century.