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.
I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth.
No book about Soviet sacrifice was as strong as the women's stories I heard as a child.
I have behind me not only the splendid traditions and the annals of more than a thousand years but the living strength and majesty of the Commonwealth and Empire; of societies old and new; of lands and races different in history and origins but all, by God's Will, united in spirit and in aim.
We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness.
History will tell you that borders are not inevitable, they hardly existed at the end of the 19th century.
I've met many Holocaust survivors who find the era infinitely compelling because they have this deep hunger to understand how it all could possibly have happened.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.