The quote from Barbara W. Tuchman's "The Guns of August" reflects the mindset of the Germans prior to World War I. They believed in their own superiority across various aspects such as moral character, strength, and industriousness. This conviction led them to think that they were entitled to control Europe, which contributed to the aggressive stance they took in the lead-up to the conflict.

This sense of superiority and entitlement was a significant factor in shaping Germany's ambitions and actions during this volatile period. It highlights how national pride and a perception of virtue can drive nations toward conflict, believing that their strength justifies their claims to dominance over others. The underlying belief in their own exceptionalism played a crucial role in the unfolding of events during the early 20th century.