dude i know the thought of that time. Back then nations really did care about beating other nations by becoming more developed then them. When it was discovered that species evolve into stronger types and then dominate while those who fail to evolve into a better form perish. The thought developed that human must also make themselves better and reach the next level. Nietzche gave the idea of "superman". Just like a bug evolves into a super bug, so that something that used to kill it before doesnt kill it anymore, that same idea was applied to humans. That humans must work to attain the super form where they wont have previous weaknesses. And they thought that those nations that collectively achieve the next level will dominate the planet while those nations that fail to progress into a better form will perish. It was the thought of the time. Nazis stressed much on this, that German nation is the best among humans and it must come to dominate the planet through its own hard work. They said that they are already the most superior race but they also stressed that they must become the "super nation" and leave everyone else behind. HDI was born in these times.