A reflection on the Nazi concepts of power and race, characterised in the author's view by simplistic Darwinism and fatalism. Total obedience is in this context linked with force, sacrifice and struggle. To understand the Holocaust, it is suggested, we must understand the important role of abstractions. Power theory dehumanises. The case of Nazi-sympathising philosopher Martin Heidegger is cited, the teachings of Foucault and Levinas examined.