Hitler's Table Talk

3io HITLER'S INTEREST IN MOTORING
Secondly, Müller opened my eyes to an infinite number of
small details that escape most drivers. Every pedestrian who is
installed behind a wheel at once loses his sense of the consideration
to which he is convinced he is entitled whilst he is a
pedestrian. Now, Müller never stopped thinking of the people
on the road. He drove very carefully through built-up areas.
He believed that anyone who runs over a child should be put in
prison at once. He didn't skirt the edge of the road, as many
people do, but instead he stuck rather to the top of the camber,
always mindful of the child who might unexpectedly emerge.
When he wanted to pass a car, he first of all made sure that the
driver of the car in front of him had taken cognisance of his
intention. He took his curves cleverly, without making his
rear wheels skid, and without sudden spurts of acceleration—
all gently and flexibly. I realised that driving was something
quite different from what I'd hitherto supposed, and I was a
little ashamed at the comparisons that forced themselves into
my mind.
During that journey I took two decisions: I'd buy a Benz,
and I'd teach my drivers to drive.
I went to the Benz works, and thus made Werlin's acquaintance.
I told him I wanted to buy a sixteen-h.p. "You'll decide
for yourself in the end," he said. "I'd advise you to try a
ten-h.p., to begin with, to get your hand in: it does only eighty
kilometres an hour, but it's better to arrive at your destination
at eighty than to smash yourself up at a hundred and ten."
These were so many dagger-thrusts at my pride.
Theoretical and practical knowledge are one thing and
presence of mind at the moment of danger is something else.
Schreck had them both to the same degree. He was as strong
as a buffalo, and cold-bloodedly fearless. He used his car as a
weapon for charging at Communists.
Kempka has been my driver for nearly ten years, and I have
nothing but praise for him. Moreover, he impeccably manages
the collection of cars for which he's responsible. When I ask
him, in September, if he has his stock of oil for the winter and
his snow-chains, I know he's ready equipped. If I need to know
the time, I can rely on the clock on the instrument-panel. All