I have loved my German people and my fatherland with a warm heart. I have done my duty by the laws of my people and I am sorry this time my people were led by men who were not soldiers and that crimes were committed of which I had no knowledge. Germany, good luck.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He expresses loyalty to Germany but denies knowledge of crimes, blaming leaders for leading the people astray.
- In plain terms
- He loves his country and did his duty, but regrets that leaders committed crimes he did not know about.
- What can you take from it?
- Loyalty to a nation can coexist with denial of its worst actions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you be loyal to a country that commits crimes?
- Is duty enough to excuse ignorance?
Another view
Claiming ignorance of widespread crimes is often seen as implausible.
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