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Pohl I did not know at all except, of course, that I had heard of him and perhaps I did see him occasionally at the Fuhrer's headquarters or at large meetings. But that a man could be in charge of all the concentration camps in Germany, Himmler's right-hand man without a doubt, making him one of the great criminals of our age - what sort of man is he? Does he talk? Does he proclaim innocence like Kaltenbrunner? I really can't understand such people.

Oswald Pohl#12

HistoryAuthorityConfusionCrimeLeadershipPerception

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker expresses confusion about the nature of high-ranking criminals he knew only superficially.
In plain terms
I knew him slightly but cannot understand how a man like him became so criminal.
What can you take from it?
Superficial knowledge of leaders can hide their true nature.

Where it applies

  • assessing leaders
  • historical analysis
  • moral judgment

Putting it to work

  • looking beyond surface impressions
  • questioning leadership

Questions to consider

  • How do criminals hide in plain sight?
  • What does it mean to not know a criminal?

Another view

The speaker claims confusion despite serving under the regime.

More from Oswald Pohl

  1. Ach! If Hitler had given me an immoral order I would have refused. Think of it! To break teeth out of a dead body! Think of it! Why, if I had been only a simpl…

    Permalink to quote #11
  2. Oswald Pohl was an extremely sensitive and intellectual individual who was reduced to a broken man in the course of his trial.

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. The exploitation of labor must be applied to the highest possible limits so that the job results in the rendered principle.

    Permalink to quote #10

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