Meaning: This quote is attributed to Hermann Goering, a prominent figure in Nazi Germany and a close confidant of Adolf Hitler. Goering was a leading member of the Nazi Party and played a significant role in the establishment of the Gestapo, the concentration camps, and the execution of the Holocaust. The quote is a reflection of the cunning and manipulative rhetoric often employed by Nazi leaders to justify their aggressive militaristic policies and to rally public support for war.

In this quote, Goering appears to be acknowledging the reluctance of ordinary people to engage in war. By referring to them as "poor slob[s] on a farm," he seems to be highlighting the disparity between the common people and the political and military elites who make decisions about war. The phrase "risk his life in a war when the best thing he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece" suggests that Goering recognizes the inherent danger and sacrifice associated with warfare, particularly for those who are not directly involved in the decision-making process.

However, the cunning aspect of the quote becomes apparent when Goering, by acknowledging the aversion to war, attempts to shift the focus away from the inherent human desire for peace and stability. Instead, he implies that the common people's reluctance to engage in war is due to their self-interest and desire for personal safety, rather than a genuine desire for peace. By framing war as a necessary sacrifice for the greater good, he attempts to manipulate public sentiment and justify the aggressive expansionist policies of the Nazi regime.

It's important to note that Goering's words should be viewed in the context of his role as a key figure in a totalitarian regime that relied on propaganda, fear, and manipulation to maintain power and control. The quote reflects the insidious nature of the Nazi leadership, who sought to exploit the fears and insecurities of the populace to further their own agenda.

This quote also raises questions about the moral and ethical implications of war and the responsibilities of political and military leaders in making decisions that impact the lives of ordinary citizens. By highlighting the disparity between the sacrifices of the common people and the gains of the ruling elite, Goering's words serve as a stark reminder of the injustices perpetrated by authoritarian regimes.

In conclusion, Hermann Goering's quote encapsulates the manipulative rhetoric employed by Nazi leaders to justify their aggressive militaristic policies and to garner public support for war. It also serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical considerations that should underpin decisions related to war and conflict. This quote provides valuable insight into the mindset of the Nazi leadership and the tactics they used to maintain their grip on power.