In today’s quiet and detailed German, it is really difficult to distinguish the traits of his wild ancestors, for whom freedom was air, life, condition of existence.
In Germany, there is no need to worry about yourself: everything is done for you, and it is done well.
“Please, you are only born into the light of God,” the German chief said to the citizen, “and we will do the rest. The Germans are not worried.
Carlyle rightly acknowledged for the Prussians — and this applies to all Germans — one great virtue: the capacity to repair. Teach him to work and send him to Africa or Asia, under the leadership of someone wearing a shirt – and he will do whatever he wants, will meet at least the devil, if ordered.
The most surprising thing is that every person, who was a helpless being in himself, becomes energetic, clever, ingenious in them - only he will be shaped and made the boss over others. The German either obeyes or commands.
They have one motto: debt, and the concept of debt seems to be reduced to the following: blind obedience to anyone who wears brilliant buttons. Until now, Germany has had good luck with regents, it will have a difficult time when the main machine is ruined, but the character of the people described above is constantly preparing good rulers; this is quite likely.

1898 J.K. Jerome "Three on four wheels"