A portrait of the artist as a politician: the case of Adolf Hitler

Abstract

Hitler behaved within the parameters of an artist and a narcissist as mediated by charisma and charismatic leadership. An ex post facto assessment of Hitler's personality type using the principles of Jungian typology reveals that even his most preferred psychological functions were not securely developed and this led him to overlook reality and become insensitive to the suffering of the people during World War II. As a result of his traumas, Hitler experienced “chronic narcissistic rage.” It resulted in destructive thinking and behavior. Hitler was able to relate his rage to that of the people and promise salvation through “national reawakening” and the creation of a new order. When he was no longer able to provide successes, Hitler began losing his charisma and the people ceased to believe in his heroism and providential role. His strong sense of mission and strength of will sustained him to the bitter end. Hitler transformed Germany and much of Europe and beyond.

Acknowledgments

In the preparation of this research note I have benefited from my conversations with Dr. Roderick Main, Ian Walker, and John Hurst, Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex. I am also thankful to Ian Walker for his comments upon an earlier draft of this research note.

Notes

1 Contact with author should be by e-mail only at the above e-mail address.