It appeared that most of the men and boys had died of starvation; they had not been executed. But the manner of death seemed unimportant. Murder had been done at Buchenwald. God alone knows how many men and boys have died there during the last twelve years.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- At Buchenwald, starvation killed many, but murder was done regardless of the specific cause of death.
- In plain terms
- Many died of starvation, but the camp was still a place of murder.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not let technical causes hide the moral weight of atrocities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What truths about history are ignored?
- How do we honor victims?
Another view
Focusing on details may obscure the broader horror.
More from Edward R. Murrow
We went to the hospital; it was full. The doctor told me that two hundred had died the day before. I asked the cause of death; he shrugged and said, 'Tuberculo…
Permalink to quote #20 I pray you to believe what I have said about Buchenwald. I have reported what I saw and heard, but only part of it. For most of it I have no words. If I've off…
Permalink to quote #22 As I walked down to the end of the barracks, there was applause from the men too weak to get out of bed. It sounded like the hand clapping of babies; they were…
Permalink to quote #19
Related quotes
Only one thing is more admirable than the admirable reply of the Saxon king: that an Icelander, a man of the lineage of the vanquished, has perpetuated the rep…
Jorge Luis BorgesJorge Luis Borges quote #112 For us military men, it is impossible to forget.
Andrei GrechkoAndrei Grechko quote #1 Three hundred men hastened forth, wearing gold torques, defending the land - and there was slaughter. Though they were slain they slew, and they shall be honou…
AneirinAneirin quote #1