Himmler was such a coward he refused or was afraid to act because of Kaltenbrunner and Hitler.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote claims Himmler was afraid to act independently due to fear of Hitler and Kaltenbrunner.
- In plain terms
- Himmler was too scared to make his own decisions because of his superiors.
- What can you take from it?
- Fear of authority can paralyze action even in powerful individuals.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What prevents leaders from acting independently?
- How does fear influence decision making?
Another view
Historical accounts vary on whether Himmler was truly afraid or strategically cautious.
More from Heinrich Himmler
Himmler hated Russia but I had him convinced that Russia could not be defeated.
Permalink to quote #28 He was a schoolmaster type outwardly, and that was as far as his foreign political horizon went. Therefore, in the field of foreign affairs I had an easy time …
Permalink to quote #30 The only difficulty with Himmler was that he was of a sneaky nature. I never knew whether I would be alive or imprisoned the next day. But I gained new strengt…
Permalink to quote #27
Related quotes
Hitler would go as white as a sheet and tightly clench his jaws, while his eyes would dilate. Everyone in his entourage would get panicky because these fits we…
Theodor MorellTheodor Morell quote #1 Why did the generals who have been so ready to term me a complaisant and incompetent yes-man fail to secure my removal? Was that all that difficult? No, that w…
Wilhelm KeitelWilhelm Keitel quote #7 Himmler was such a coward, he refused or was afraid to act because of Kaltenbrunner and Hitler.
Ernst KaltenbrunnerErnst Kaltenbrunner quote #54