I get why your assumption they disregarded sentiments exists; we are living in very similar times where undue public importance is given to sentiments. And we would like to think they were completely different to us, but the reality is we live in similarly sentimental times.
Edit: looked up on the author of that review, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Ihering, apparently liberal-left leaning and not a darling of the Nazis.
PS. if you want a trip into weirdness, watch the uncut version of Metropolis. Weird mystic religion they got over there.