For three days, I couldn’t take my eyes off Goering, who…
““For three days, I couldn’t take my eyes off Goering, who lounged in the dock like a bored Roman emperor… As concentration camp survivors testified, I sometimes caught Goering’s cold, unblinking stare, which was full of contempt for the Tribunal and the witnesses. When the prosecution showed films of piled-up corpses at Auschwitz, Goering kept turning his head away, sometimes in my direction. I’m ashamed to say he stared me down, because I’d never before felt myself in the presence of such unmitigated evil.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Witness describes Goering’s chilling contempt and avoidance when confronted with Holocaust evidence, highlighting the embodiment of unmitigated evil.
In simple terms: Goering showed contempt and avoided facing the horror.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront evil directly.
Themes
evil
contempt
justice
history
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
testimonial
When to use this quote
- courtroom testimony
- historical research
- education on genocide
Key Concepts
psychology
morality
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we confront evil without becoming desensitized?
- What mechanisms allow individuals to ignore atrocities?
A Different Perspective
Goering’s denial may reflect broader human tendencies to avoid uncomfortable truths.