Simon WeisenthalThe world now understands the concept of a 'desk murderer.' We know that one doesn't need to be fanatical, sadistic, or mentally ill to murder millions; that it is enough to be a loyal follower eager to do one's duty.
About This Quote
This quote is about the need for people to be loyal to their work. The first part of this quote says that one doesn't need to be fanatical, sadistic, or mentally ill to murder millions. This is true, because many of history's most notorious dictators were simply zealots who did whatever it took to secure victory. That was what they thought they had to do.
It wasn't until after the war was over that the atrocities were discovered. The second portion of this quote explains that even though people may feel like they need to be fanatical, sadistic, and mentally ill in order to commit these crimes, it is enough to be a loyal follower eager to do one's duty. This can happen with ordinary people as well as government officials making decisions on the basis of loyalty instead of logic.
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