I accept responsibility for U-boat warfare from 1933 onward, and of the entire navy from 1943 on, but to make me responsible for what happened to Jews in Germany, or Russian soldiers on the east front - it is so ridiculous all I can do is laugh.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker accepts naval responsibility but ridicules the idea of being responsible for Jewish persecution or treatment of soldiers.
- In plain terms
- I led the navy but not the persecution of Jews or soldiers so that is silly.
- What can you take from it?
- Leadership responsibility is often compartmentalized by domain.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where does command responsibility end?
- Can leaders truly separate roles from outcomes?
Another view
Denying responsibility for systemic harms may overlook indirect influence.
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