In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist; And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist; And then they came for the Jews, And I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew; And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Failing to defend others leads to having no defenders when you are targeted.
- In plain terms
- Not speaking up for others means no one speaks for you later.
- What can you take from it?
- Defend others to ensure your own protection.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who will defend you if you don't defend others?
- What silence have you tolerated?
Another view
Historical details vary across versions.
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