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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker blames generals for lack of character and suggests they need to atone for failing to oppose Hitler.
In plain terms
Generals failed; they must act to atone.
What can you take from it?
Calling generals to atone for inaction.

Where it applies

  • military leadership
  • historical analysis

Putting it to work

  • studying military resistance
  • analyzing chain of command

Questions to consider

  • What does the atone for inaction?
  • Do generals have a duty to disobey?

Another view

Calling for action after failure is often too late.

More from Alfred Jodl

  1. My most profound confidence is however based upon the fact that at the head of Germany there stands a man by his entire development, his desires, and striving …

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  2. To this very day, I do not know what he (Hitler) thought or knew or really wanted. I only knew my own thoughts and suspicions.

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. The Pact of Munich is signed. Czechoslovakia as a power is out. The genius of the Fuhrer and his determination not to shun even a world war have again won vict…

    Permalink to quote #6

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