In view of my services in Africa, I have the chance of dying by poison. Two generals have brought it with them. It is fatal in three seconds. If I take the poison, none of the usual steps will be taken against my family; that is, against you. They will also leave my staff alone.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Rommel discusses the offer of poison suicide to spare his family from Nazi retribution.
- In plain terms
- He was offered a quick death to protect his family from punishment.
- What can you take from it?
- Consider the cost of survival versus dignity under oppressive regimes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What would you choose under duress?
- How does power manipulate personal choices?
Another view
This describes a forced choice rather than a free moral decision.
More from Erwin Rommel
Courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity, or, if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility.
Permalink to quote #2 Mortal danger is an effective antidote for fixed ideas.
Permalink to quote #4 In a man to man fight, the winner is he who has one more round in his magazine.
Permalink to quote #1
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