Gradually I came to realize that people will more readily swallow lies than truth, as if the taste of lies was homey, appetizing: a habit.
Thousand got away to other countries; thousands returned to Spain tempted by false promises of kindness. By the tens of thousands, these Spaniards died of neglect in the concentration camps.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the plight of Spaniards who suffered neglect in concentration camps after being lured by false promises during times of conflict.
Martha Gellhorn's quote reflects the tragic consequences of dislocation and the false hope offered during war. It underscores the suffering endured by thousands of Spaniards who sought refuge or return to their homeland only to find themselves in dire conditions, neglected and forgotten in concentration camps. This serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the betrayal of those seeking safety and kindness in desperate times.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the impact of war and refugees.
More from Martha Gellhorn
All quotes βIt would be a bitter cosmic joke if we destroy ourselves due to atrophy of the imagination.
the ends never justify the means because IT never ends.
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I followed the war wherever I could reach it.
By its existence, the Peace Movement denies that governments know best; it stands for a different order of priorities: the human race comes first.
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We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution.
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The Cold War was over long before it was officially declared dead.