• wjrii@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    8
    ·
    10 hours ago

    In the link it has his letter to his British publisher, where he was even more blunt. Maybe the first time that “I have _______ friends” has actually rung true.

    Personally, I should be inclined to refuse to give any Bestätigung (although it happens that I can), and let a German translation go hang. In any case I should object strongly to any such declaration appearing in print. I do not regard the (probable) absence of all Jewish blood as necessarily honourable; and I have many Jewish friends, and should regret giving any colour to the notion that I subscribed to the wholly pernicious and unscientific race-doctrine.

    • Phoenicianpirate@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      3 hours ago

      Telling something or someone to go hang was a very strong insult in those days. Even worse than saying go fuck yourself. Because hanging was how people were executed, meaning they are the most unwanted people in society…