The Mystery of Adolf Hitler's Alleged Blindness: Hypnotism and Psychiatric Insanity

Adolf Hitler is one of the most significant figures in modern history, and his personal experiences have sparked numerous debates and theories. One such intriguing story has circulated for decades: the claim that during a time when Hitler was reportedly blind, he experienced a miraculous recovery, yet this is far from clear-cut. Investigating this mystery involves delving into the realms of hypnosis, psychiatric treatment, and the complex history surrounding Hitler's life.

Causes of Hitler's Alleged Blindness

It is widely believed that Hitler's "blindness" was the result of a hysterical reaction to both a gas attack and the news of the Armistice that ended World War I. In 1918, while serving as an officer in the German Army, Hitler was gassed and later toured an exhibition of the impacts of gas attacks, which potentially exacerbated his condition. The exact nature of his "blindness," which reportedly lasted for several weeks, remains disputed.

Hitler's Stay at Pasewalk Hospital

Hospitalized at Pasewalk on the Oder River, east of Berlin, Hitler was under the care of Dr. Edmund Forster, a psychiatrist known for his use of hypnosis. This hospital played a crucial role in the significant period of Hitler's life, as the mental and physical changes that occurred during his stay at Pasewalk were claimed to have profound psychological impacts.

Treatment and Recovery

Forster used hypnosis to treat Hitler's so-called "hysterical blindness," but the exact nature and success of the treatment remain unclear. Several books, such as The Man Who Invented Hitler by David Lewis (2003) and the popular press, have explored this topic, often painting vivid and complex portraits of Hitler's recovery process.

Controversial Claims and Speculation

Some sources suggest that Hitler's stay at Pasewalk hospital was a crucial turning point in his life, leading him to believe in his own exceptional nature and the guiding hand of providence. Others contend that he may not have even met Dr. Forster, and that his medical records, attributed to Forster's treatment, reportedly vanished in the late 1920s.

Murder and Mystery

Adding to the intrigue, Dr. Forster himself is surrounded in mystery. He committed suicide in 1933, leading many to speculate that the Nazi regime was involved in his death. The true cause of his suicide or, as some believe, his murder, remains a point of contention.

Documenting the Mystery

While the popular press and literature provide a wealth of stories, much of what is claimed regarding Hitler's experience at Pasewalk remains unsubstantiated. Books like Triumph of the Will: How Two Men Hypnotised Hitler and Changed the World and novels such as The Eyewitness by Ernst Weiss (1977) offer intriguing narratives, but as with much of psycho-historiography, they are often speculative and not proven.

If you are interested in delving deeper into this complex and mysterious period in history, you may wish to begin with the works mentioned, particularly The Man Who Invented Hitler and Triumph of the Will. Be prepared, however, to find that the truth of the matter is often obscured, and the questions surrounding Hitler's alleged blindness and recovery may remain unsolved.

Conclusion

The mystery of Adolf Hitler's alleged blindness at Pasewalk hospital is a testament to the power of both the human mind and the historical record. As with many historical figures, the truth can be complex, and sometimes, the best we can do is to separate fact from fiction and continue to explore and question.