What does this statement say about our responsibility for others?

Question

"When they came for the Jews, I said nothing; when they came for the Communist, I said nothing; when they came for the Catholics, I said nothing, so when they came for me, there was no one left to speak."

What does this statement say about our responsibility for others?

Answer 1

sounds like all they care about is themselves...

and once they need someone to care about them, they're already gone because of all the bridges burned..

karma sucks huh?

Answer 2

I think this is all related to good karma, that whatever you do to others will also be done unto you. If you said nothing about anyone else - then the same goes with you - no one will stand up or say anything for you because in the first place, you weren't willing to do it for others just the same. The case should be, to be of service to others, unconditionally. We do whatever we can to help others out because eventually, we might need other people's help too.

Answer 3

It says nothing about our responsibility for others, and to think it does misses the point entirely.

What it is conveying is that standing up for what's right in society is in the best interest of the individual.

It's not about "responsibility", it's about self-preservation.

Think about it some more.

Answer 4

If you ignore the infringement of others' rights, who will protect yours?