Ernst Lissauer: A Complex Tapestry of Nationalism and Identity

Ernst Lissauer, born on December 10, 1882, in Berlin, Germany, was a German-Jewish poet and dramatist best remembered for his fervent nationalism during World War I and the creation of the phrase “Gott strafe England” (“May God punish England”). His work, particularly the “Hassgesang gegen England” or “Song of Hate against England,” reflected the intense socio-political tensions of his time. As we delve deeper into his life and contributions, it’s intriguing to consider the influence of his Human Design, which portrays him as a Manifesting Generator with Emotional Authority, a unique aspect that colored his creative and decision-making processes.

The Early Years and Literary Pursuits

Lissauer’s upbringing in Berlin immersed him in both German and Jewish cultures. His poetry and drama often mirrored his devotion to the Prussian tradition and German nationalism. He was described by his friend Stefan Zweig as “a round little man, a jolly face above a double double-chin, bubbling over with self-importance and exuberance.” This vivid portrayal hints at the Manifesting Generator energy—an individual type characterized by quick responses, the ability to multitask, and an innate drive to initiate and create.

As a Manifesting Generator, Lissauer’s approach to writing was likely marked by bursts of inspiration and enthusiastic productivity, allowing him to immerse himself deeply in his work. His Emotional Authority meant he processed decisions through waves of emotion, adding a layer of depth and complexity to his creative endeavors. This inner emotional landscape might have been both a source of profound inspiration and internal conflict, particularly in the politically charged atmosphere of pre-World War I Germany.

The Infamous “Hassgesang gegen England”

The outbreak of World War I catalyzed Lissauer’s nationalistic fervor, leading to his creation of the “Hassgesang gegen England.” His Manifesting Generator strategy, “To Respond,” played a pivotal role here. The poem was a response to the tumultuous mood of his time, reflecting the collective sentiment rather than a personal vendetta. Lissauer’s Emotional Authority influenced his passionate, albeit controversial, rhetoric, which resonated deeply with the German public, earning him the Order of the Red Eagle from Wilhelm II and widespread dissemination of his work among the troops.

The channels within his Human Design, particularly the “12-22” channel, known for its emotional depth and artistic expression, likely contributed to the powerful, emotive quality of his writing. However, the poem’s reception was double-edged; while it initially garnered acclaim, it later drew criticism from both anti-Semitic factions and those who deemed it “unreasonable” and “un-German.”

A Change of Heart and Reflection

Despite his early zeal, Lissauer’s perspective evolved post-war. He openly expressed regret for his incendiary poem, stating that it was a product of the times and not intended to be taken as a literal call to hatred. In 1926, he reflected that a hymn of love for Germany would have been a more appropriate offering. This change of heart underscores his Emotional Authority’s influence, as the waves of emotion and reflection over time brought him to a new understanding.

Lissauer’s Human Design profile of 2/4, known as the Hermit/Opportunist, suggests a natural inclination towards introspection balanced with a need for social connection and influence. His internal struggle between his Jewish roots and German nationalism is poignantly captured in his later writings: “To the Germans, I am a Jew masked as a German; to the Jews, a German faithless to Israel.” This duality reflects his lifelong challenge of balancing two divergent identities.

Legacy and Final Years

In the face of rising anti-Semitism and the growing chasm between his dual heritage, Lissauer’s life took a series of challenging turns. Living in Vienna during the 1930s, he found himself increasingly alienated from both the German and Jewish communities. This sense of displacement is perhaps echoed in his Incarnation Cross, the Right Angle Cross of Rulership (26/45 | 47/22), which is often associated with leadership, control, and the challenge of finding one’s place within larger structures of power and identity.

Ernst Lissauer passed away on December 10, 1937, his 55th birthday, from a heart attack in Vienna. Although his life was marked by controversy and contradiction, his contributions to literature and the discourse on nationalism remain significant. His Human Design offers a lens through which to understand the complexities of his character and the motivations behind his work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Ernst Lissauer’s most famous work?

Ernst Lissauer is best known for his “Hassgesang gegen England” or “Song of Hate against England,” which he wrote during World War I. The poem became emblematic of German nationalism during the conflict.

How did Ernst Lissauer’s Human Design impact his work?

As a Manifesting Generator with Emotional Authority, Lissauer’s creative process was likely marked by bursts of inspiration and deep emotional reflection. His work often reflected the intense nationalistic and emotional undercurrents of his time, influenced by his Human Design’s strategic and emotional components.

What was Ernst Lissauer’s perspective on his controversial poem after World War I?

After the war, Lissauer expressed regret for the “Hassgesang gegen England,” acknowledging that it was a product of the era’s sentiment and not meant to be taken literally. He later stated that a hymn of love for Germany would have been a more appropriate contribution.

How did Ernst Lissauer balance his German and Jewish identities?

Lissauer faced significant challenges in balancing his German nationalism with his Jewish heritage, particularly during the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany. His Human Design profile of 2/4 suggests a life of introspection and social influence, reflecting his struggle to find belonging and acceptance in both communities.

What legacy did Ernst Lissauer leave behind?

Despite his controversial works, Ernst Lissauer’s legacy is one of complex identity, nationalistic fervor, and literary contribution. His Human Design provides insight into the emotional and strategic dimensions that shaped his life and writings, offering a deeper understanding of his motivations and the historical