Food production Quote by Keith Lowe
““The Germans had done their best to evacuate Majdanek before the Red Army arrived, but in their hurry to leave they had failed to conceal the evidence of what had taken place here. When Soviet troops drove into the compound they discovered a set of gas chambers, six large furnaces with the charred remains of human skeletons scattered around them and, nearby, several enormous mounds of white ash filled with pieces of human bones. The ash mounds overlooked a huge field of vegetables, and the Soviets came to the obvious conclusion: the organizers of Majdanek had been using human remains as fertilizer. ‘This is German food production,’ wrote one Soviet journalist at the time. ‘Kill people; fertilize cabbages.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Historical Account of Majdanek, 1945
The Nazis attempted to hide their crimes, but the Soviets discovered evidence, leading to grotesque rumors about using human remains as fertilizer.
In simple terms: Nazi cover‑up failed; Soviets misinterpreted evidence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the importance of truthful documentation.
Themes
war crimes
memory
propaganda
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- museum exhibits
- educational programs
- historical research
- media reporting
- memorial services
Key Concepts
historical truth
ethical journalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we prevent distortion of atrocity evidence?
- What responsibilities do witnesses have?
A Different Perspective
Misinformation can arise from shocking discoveries.
![“Information, if viewed from the point of view of food, is never a production issue. ... It's a consumption issue, and we have to start thinking about how we create diets [and] exercise.” quote by J.P. Rangaswami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/742/j-p-rangaswami-86511_consumption_information-if-viewed-from-the-point-of_345632.jpg)
