One of the all-time greats of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger, conquered everything in the sport. The Austrian immigrant won the Mr. Olympia competition seven times as he changed the social standing of the sport forever. After a successful stint in bodybuilding, Arnold switched careers to become an even more successful action hero. The third significant role in Arnold’s life was that of a politician. The bodybuilder-actor became a popular figure amongst the public and became a two-term governor of California.

Arnold’s autobiography ‘Total Recall’ covered all this and much more. In the same book, Arnold revealed something which he earlier denied for years.

Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed the quality he admired in Adolf Hitler

Rarely has Arnold Schwarzenegger stayed away from the headlines. He would either be in the news for a championship win or a blockbuster movie. Arnie would also appear in the news as a politician. While most reasons behind his appearance were good, some were also controversial. One such topic was his take on German dictator Adolf Hitler.

In his autobiography, Arnold also wrote about the one quality that he admired in Adolf Hitler. He wrote, “I philosophized that only a few men are born to lead, while the rest of humanity is born to follow, and went from that into discussing history’s great conquerors and dictators.” Furthering his point that he only admired the quality, Schwarzenegger wrote, “I admired Hitler’s speaking ability, though not what he did with it.”

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Schwarzenegger also clarified he said such things only to motivate himself and push harder. He said things like this kept him entertained.

Arnold’s inspiration came from a complicated relationship

While Arnold admired the leadership quality of Hitler, it did not inspire him. He drew his real inspiration from his father, with whom Arnold shared a complex relationship.

Arnold once revealed the aftermath of WWII turned his father abusive. He said his father would often come home drunk and hit them. But his father still inspired him, and as he was growing up, Arnold showed interest in sports, much like his father. Arnold has been vocal about not holding his father fully responsible for his actions, as their neighbors were the same way.

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Today, Arnold’s life story has become a great source of inspiration for millions around the world. He has surely become the personification of the ‘American Dream.’