[tomp]

I would love to hear a speech by Hitler. Regardless of his actions, he was a master persuader and accomplished (affected the world) in a decade more than most people couldn't in 1000 years! We could all learn a lot from him - which of course doesn't mean that we would have to use the skills for the same means he did.

[kafkaesq]

That's the thing -- the kind of persuasive talents Hitler had... can pretty much only be used for the kinds of destructive ends he sought.

[tomp]

I'm pretty sure that Steve Jobs had a comparable talent. He used it to lead a great many people to create a great many products instead.

[kafkaesq]

In degree, yes - but in kind, not.

[eli_gottlieb]

>he was a master persuader and accomplished (affected the world) in a decade more than most people couldn't in 1000 years

No. He accomplished what most people wouldn't and oughtn't in a thousand years.

[mikeash]

That's not in conflict with what was said in your quote. Hitler changed the world enormously. It was terrible, but the influence is undeniable. I'm reminded of all the people I've seen making fun of Time for naming Hitler their Man of the Year, without realizing that Man/Person of the Year is purely about the size of impact, not how good it is.

[antifasci]

Or just didn't until Stalin and Mao.