Book tip: Helmut Schmidt

[Skybird]

I finished reading this yesterday. If you are able to read German, this is highly recommended.

The book title translates into "Off duty", but schmidt also says: "If it is about principles of politics and morale, or one'S own consciousness, one never is off duty."

Here, a true Elder Statesmen, one of the greatest Western politicians and imo truly the most competent, precise and consistent German politicians and a man of huge personal integrity, gives a review of - in his own words - what "I believe I have learned about politics in my life".

This does not chnage that at his high age of almost 90 years he has more become a philosopher than remained to be a political analyst. Nevertheless, his analysis of the political present, is sharp, brief and precise, and it cuts to the core and important stuff right in just one or two sentences woithout wasting any time. One can only bare one's head at this display of uncompromised astuteness (Scharfsinnigkeit). If we would have just one or two leading politicians of Schmidt'S callibre, capability and Prussian sense of responsibility (although he is Hanseatic ) in every country, much troubles and unneeded problems would have been saved from the world, and we all probably wpuld be a bit better of. His criticism, were deserved, is sharp and uncompromised - but try to argue with him! He says what he says, and he simply is right - that's it.

This is not just a biography, and somebody wallowing in personal memories, Schmidt just is not of the kind to display his private life that way. This book is as much about the current situation, the lessons needed to be learned fast, and the future perspectives as it can be.

Of all the books I read by Schmidt, this is one of his most impressive, and thus it is highly recommended. Schmidt's way of political thinking, his sense of responsibility, should be mandatory for everybody seeking public offices.

In the current names in international politics, I do not see somebody of this callibre. We only know that we could desperately need "servicemen" like him.

He still is deeply respected, and very popular even with the young over here. Maybe no other "politician" in germany is as much respected and unassailable a moral authority over here. At his age, we need to take into account that he - in his words - will "change his postal adress forever" any time soon. Who will then shake our nation, make us aware of what really counts in politics, and slap the current political dilletant's fingers? You better spend another couple of years with us, Mr. Schmidt.

http://www.amazon.de/Ausser-Dienst-B...2167633&sr=8-1

[UnderseaLcpl]

I trust it will be published in English at some point, no?

[Skybird]

I checked American Amazon, and considering that he has written so many books, and that Amazon.com does not list a single one in English, I am pessimistic. Maybe if he dies.

[GlobalExplorer]

Helmut Schmidt, the man who is probably the only reason I still smoke (if he can do it with 80+ I can do it too).

[GlobalExplorer]

Born 1918. He's even 90 ?? The government should find a way to stop him chain smoking on TV before I will kill myself.

[Skybird]

If you invite Helmut Schmidt, you have to put an ashtray on the table. He will smoke several cigarettes per hour. Between them, he takes snuffs.

He's an original.

[UnderseaLcpl]

Originally Posted by Skybird

I checked American Amazon, and considering that he has written so many books, and that Amazon.com does not list a single one in English, I am pessimistic. Maybe if he dies.

That's disappointing.

I hope the book is or becomes very popular in Germany. That will likely lead to an English translation being published.

[GlobalExplorer]

I don't see what skybirds posting, but I think it will be translated in the future. A man with an immense experience and sense for realpolitik. I'm sure it will be deemed worthwile to be translated into other languages.

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by GlobalExplorer

I don't see what skybirds posting, but I think it will be translated in the future. A man with an immense experience and sense for realpolitik. I'm sure it will be deemed worthwile to be translated into other languages.

Hm, go to www.amazon.com and enter Helmut Schmidt and hit the search button. Three pages, but no translations of his books.

[Skybird]

Originally Posted by UnderseaLcpl

That's disappointing.

I hope the book is or becomes very popular in Germany. That will likely lead to an English translation being published.

Almost all his books were extremely popular, and most of them were bestsellers.

He also was cheif editor and publisher of one of the biggest newspapers in Germany, Die Zeit. He still writes a lot. Never read something I found worthless, never. When he speaks, I listen. It's simpy worth it.