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Can he safely be categorized either as an 'unhealthy' and 'abnormal' individual or as the characteristic product of German society, a phenomenon so distant from the 'solid American citizen' that he need be of no concern except as a historical or medical curiosity? Or must one go to the other extreme and search for 'banal evil-doers' under every bed? I hope that a 'humanization' of this callous creature of the Nazi system will, if not provide answers, at least provoke more thought on these questions.

Ernst Kaltenbrunner#32

HistoryKaltenbrunnerNaziJudgmentEvilHuman natureSocietySociology

About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote debates how to interpret Kaltenbrunner's nature, questioning whether to view him as an abnormal individual, a product of German society, or a symbol of banal evil.
In plain terms
It questions whether Kaltenbrunner was a unique monster, a product of his society, or a symbol of banal evil.
What can you take from it?
Humanizing such figures may provoke deeper thought than simple categorization.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • ethical debate
  • case studies

Putting it to work

  • studying historical figures
  • analyzing systemic evil
  • ethical philosophy

Questions to consider

  • How should we categorize perpetrators of mass atrocities?
  • Does humanizing evil help understand it or excuse it?

Another view

It risks humanizing a perpetrator to a degree that obscures his responsibility.

More from Ernst Kaltenbrunner

  1. Few of those who stood on the defendants' dock at the trial of the major war criminals before the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg in 1945 to 1946 …

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  2. Kaltenbrunner had discovered a world where he needed only to obey in order to become part of the historical progression of mankind. He had thus clarified his i…

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. I know exactly what you've come here to say, Kaltenbrunner. But believe me, if I were not convinced that I'll build up Linz again with your help, as you see it…

    Permalink to quote #30

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