The seduction of culture in German history

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During the Allied bombing of Germany, Hitler expressed greater distress over the loss of cultural treasures than the destruction of homes. His propagandists highlighted this fact, believing it showcased his sensitivity rather than callousness, suggesting that the destruction failed to diminish his artistic spirit. To understand this mindset, one must explore what Wolf Lepenies describes as The Seduction of Culture in German History. This intriguing book delves into Germany's tendency to prioritize cultural achievement above all else, viewing it as a noble substitute for politics. Lepenies traces the impact of this inclination on German history from the late eighteenth century to the present, arguing that the preference for art over politics is crucial to comprehending the unique nature of Nazism. This includes its aesthetic allure to many Germans and the fact that Hitler and many of his associates were failed artists and intellectuals who treated politics as a form of art. Through a series of historical, intellectual, literary, and artistic vignettes, the book emphasizes figures like Goethe and Thomas Mann while also discussing Novalis, Walt Whitman, Leo Strauss, and Allan Bloom. Ultimately, it examines how Germany's cultural obsession and disdain for politics have influenced its relations with countries like France and the United States.