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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

  • historical study
  • memorialization
  • human rights

Putting it to work

  • remember the victims
  • document truth
  • speak out

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

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