Quote by George Steiner

We know that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening, that he can play Bach and Schubert, and go to his day's work at Auschwitz in the morning.

We know that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening,

Summary

This quote highlights the disturbing capacity of human beings to engage in both noble and horrific acts simultaneously. By juxtaposing the appreciation of great works of art with the commitment to participate in the atrocities of Auschwitz, it emphasizes the stark contradictions and moral complexity within individuals. It raises questions about the duality of human nature and serves as a reminder of the potential for extreme good and evil to coexist within a single person.

Topics

Evil

By George Steiner

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