Reflecting upon the whole of the story, I am glad not to be responsible for the way in which Hess has been and is being treated. Whatever may be the moral guilt of a German who stood near to Hitler, Hess had, in my view, atoned for this by his completely devoted and frantic deed of lunatic benevolence. He came to us of his own free will, and, though without authority, had something of the quality of an envoy. He was a medical and not a criminal case, and should be so regarded.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author expresses relief at not controlling Hess's treatment, viewing his actions as a devoted albeit lunatic attempt at peace that should be seen medically rather than criminally.
- In plain terms
- I am glad I did not decide how Hess was treated because his actions were a misguided peace effort.
- What can you take from it?
- View extreme acts of peace through a medical lens rather than a criminal one.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we judge unintended consequences of peace efforts?
- When does devotion become lunacy?
Another view
The quote justifies actions that were historically catastrophic without acknowledging the harm caused.
More from Rudolf Hess
The Party is Hitler! Hitler is Germany, just as Germany is Hitler! Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil!
Permalink to quote #10 I often found him warm and humourous.
Permalink to quote #12 We believe that the Fuhrer is fulfilling a divine mission to German destiny! This belief is beyond challenge.
Permalink to quote #9
Related quotes
A venial sin of your own is a greater obstacle to your experiencing the love of Jesus Christ than the sin of anyone else, however great it may be. It is clear,…
Walter HiltonWalter Hilton quote #1 Call for the grandest of all earthly spectacles, what is that? It is the sun going to his rest. Call for the grandest of all human sentiments, what is that? It…
Thomas De QuinceyThomas De Quincey quote #4 I can so clearly distinguish between the criminal and his crime; I can so sincerely forgive the first while I abhor the last.
Charlotte BronteCharlotte Bronte quote #11