Hitler's Table Talk

356 HITLER'S INTERESTS AT SCHOOL
given average, but also in certain branches their reports must
not fall below a minimum level. If a pupil is particularly
brilliant in his speciality, why embarrass him in his studies by
obliging him to assimilate notions that are beyond his powers of
assimilation? Wouldn't it be better to help him further in the
direction that comes naturally to him?
Forty years ago, the teaching of history was restricted to a dry
listing of dates. There was a total absence of principles. What
happened when the teacher, into the bargain, lacked the
necessary gift for giving these dead things a soul? Such teaching
was a real torture.
I had a teacher of French whose whole preoccupation was to
catch us out in a mistake. He was a hair-splitter and a bully.
When I think of the men who were my teachers, I realise that
most of them were slightly mad. The men who could be regarded
as good teachers were exceptional. It's tragic to think
that such people have the power to bar a young man's way.
Some children have so much vitality that they can't sit still,
and won't and can't concentrate their attention. It seems to me
useless to try to force them. I understand, of course, that such
an attitude annoys the teachers. But is it just to deprive a child
of the possibilities that life offers him, simply because he's unruly?
I remember that on the average I spent a tenth of the time
my comrades spent in doing my prep. My selected branch was
history. I felt sorry for those of my comrades who never had a
minute for play. Some children begin their school careers as
excellent book-learners. They pass the barrage of examinations
brilliantly. In their own eyes, everything is at their feet. So
what a surprise it is for them when they see a comrade succeeding
who is cleverer than they are, but whom they used to
regard as a dunce!
171 7th March 1942, midday
Peculiarities of the German language—Abuse of consonants
—Borrowed words—Licence accorded only to great
writers.
If one compares the German language with English, and then
with Italian, a few remarks at once occur to the mind.