"Th[e] state of mind, which forces self-interest into the

background in favor of the community, is the first prerequisite for

any true human culture. From this alone rises all the great works

of humanity, that bring little reward to the creator but is a source

of great blessings for posterity. It’s this spirit alone that explains

why a people can endure a harsh but honest existence, but at the

same time consolidates the foundations on which the community

exists. Every worker, every peasant, every inventor, state official, [anon,] etc., who works without ever achieving fortune or prosperity for

himself is a representative of this sublime idea–even though he

may never become conscious of the profound meaning of his own

activity.

That which applies to work as the fundamental condition of

human sustenance and the means of human progress, applies even

more so to work done in defense of man and his culture. Giving

one’s own life for the sake of the community is the crowning sense

of sacrifice. Only in this way can we protect that which has been

built by man, ensuring that it won’t be overthrown by man or

destroyed by nature."

11.6