I have no knowledge of Kaltenbrunner's becoming particularly prominent in the public eye. I heard the name Kaltenbrunner for the first time when he appeared as successor to General Canaris.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker claims limited knowledge of Kaltenbrunner until he succeeded Canaris.
- In plain terms
- They didn't know much about him until he took over Canaris' job.
- What can you take from it?
- Awareness of figures often rises only when they assume major roles.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do leaders gain prominence?
- What determines public knowledge of officials?
Another view
Claims of ignorance can be convenient for avoiding responsibility.
More from Ernst Kaltenbrunner
I knew Seyss-Inquart, and it was clear to me from the very beginning that he should get the Chancellorship. Then I named Kaltenbrunner for Security. I did not …
Permalink to quote #57 Indeed, it was not until after the assassination of Heydrich in 1942 and the appointment of the subservient Kaltenbrunner in his place as head of the RSHA, of …
Permalink to quote #59 Himmler should not have left Kaltenbrunner and others to be responsible for his misdeeds.
Permalink to quote #56
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