But what began in 1941 was a process of destruction not planned in advance, not organized centrally by any agency. There was no blueprint and there was no budget for destructive measures. They were taken step by step, one step at a time. Thus came about not so much a plan being carried out, but an incredible meeting of minds, a consensus - mind reading by a far-flung bureaucracy.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on how destruction can occur through uncoordinated efforts rather than a clear plan.
Raul Hilberg's quote emphasizes that the process of destruction during a specific historical period unfolded organically rather than through a structured plan. It illustrates how a collective mindset among various individuals and groups led to significant consequences, demonstrating that sometimes large-scale actions can develop from incremental steps influenced by a consensus rather than a formalized strategy.
In practice
During a history lesson about World War II, this quote can illustrate how events unfold without a clear directive.
Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day (the 4th of July)? Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior?.
There are two things that have always haunted me: the brutality of the European traders and the stories I've heard about Africans selling other Africans into slavery.
When we dwell on the enormity of the Second World War and its victims, we try to absorb all those statistics of national and ethnic tragedy. But, as a result, there is a tendency to overlook the way the war changed even the survivors' lives in ways impossible to predict.
Remember, remember, the Fifth of November, the Gunpowder Treason and Plot. I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot... But what of the man? I know his name was Guy Fawkes and I know, in 1605, he attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of our cattle. Some branded our young cattle so they could claim them.
Well-behaved women seldom make history.
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