How Did 'Ordinary Men' Become Murderers?

Historian Prof. Christopher R. Browning discusses his well known book: "Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland". On this topic and more in Yad Vashem's new online course: "The Final Solution to the Jewish Question".

[lauralott]

I’ve seen herd mentality in young children. My son is disabled and all he ever wanted was to feel included and belong. He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. I watched as these so called “ nice” kids all ganged up on him. Individually they can be okay but in a group with one bully and they all turn. Bullies are very sophisticated by the age of three. It’s fascinating and terrifying at the same time. I watched a 3 year old bully another 3 year old. She had two other kids working for her and would direct them on what to do and then pretend she had nothing to do with it!!

[susanne]

This is the book I always recommend as a read if someone wants to know how it is possible that people can turn to such extreme cruelty. I am very very grateful to the author!

[Hongaars]

Once again, thank you Prof Browning.
What most people won’t ever accept, or acknowledge is that any one of us - ALL of us - are capable of killing.

[Grofvolkoren]

Following group behavior is an incredibly strong motivation for the choices people make. This book presents straightforward facts about human behavior during its darkest periods. For me, it also explains why the struggle for what many in the Western world now accept as normal—women's equality, gay rights, the abolition of slavery, and more—originated from a small, dedicated group. The majority, meanwhile, were either neutral or went along with the prevailing practices of the time. 'Ordinary Men' is a poignant exploration of these dynamics, shedding light on how ordinary people can commit extraordinary acts, both good and bad, under the influence of group and societal pressures and norms.

[Chuck]

In College, in specific classes, I often asked this question. Usually ( well, not usually)... everytime, the professor wouldn't say sht. The students stared- around in space. Later, we lived next door to a German descent woman and family. She was a young- girl, growing up in Nazi Germany. She wasn't Jewish. She said, you had to just accept what the government was doing. Like today.

[dano]

Above all...how could they murder children and babies???

[MM-yizn]

The ordinary men suddenly enjoyed their power. Intoxicating.

[bernicerogers]

I was going to share that I could never do these kinds of things because of my values, faith and strong sense of right and wrong I learnt since childhood. Then I thought about times when I did things I knew to be wrong due to feelings, selfishness, anger etc. Now I'm not so sure...

[cherrytate]

😮😮😮😮😮 Thank you very much for that very explicit commentary .I always wondered where, when and WHO these terrible ""HUMAN" ? BEINGS came from that could inflict
such attrocities on fellow humans .
VERY GOOD REPORT .👍😉

[filiperiksson]

Very interesting indeed. Prof. Browning is a very good speaker too. I actually have his book on my desk. Going to read it soon.

[demuxhj]

When everyone is doing something or steered into believing something, it becomes normalised.

[nadezdapatusova]

Thankyou Yad Vashem for the documentation of this horrible time😢

[cherilynnfisher]

One of the most sickening tragedies in the entire history of mankind.
"NEVER AGAIN"!

[teresabaptista]

Listening to Professor Browning is always fascinating and inspiring.
Ordinary people's herd mentality is terrifying.
From my own experience, I can conclude a crowd is less intelligent than a herd of sheep (and it smells worst!).
Although, I find "herd mentality" falls short in the attempt of the explanation of any kind of genocidal endeavor. I find it to be inhuman.
There's a sadistic vector in it and it is societal!

[neilchaplin]

That same question could and should be asked about recent events?

[robertedwards]

I read the book and for anyone unhindered by subjectivity will see in it how decent people can be coerced to commit terrible acts and to then reconcile these acts to become a new normal, just another day at work. Its the banality of it that's so chilling.

[ernatillmann]

Vielen Dank für diesen Beitrag. 👍🌹👍🌹👍🌹

[joekev]

What i find really scary lately is how many police will use the same exact excuses these men used. I've heard countless police say were just following orders yet none of them seem to understand where that mentality will get you.

[brianquigley]

The first 20 were given a choice... only 1 opted out... and he was cursed out for his choice.

[HouseOfBread.]

It is so disturbing, God knows what those poor families mental state must have been in, being on the receiving end of this cruelty. Germany as a nation has a reputation for great efficiency. It chills me to the bone to say it, but they put this efficiency into a production line of cruelty, suffering, and destruction. And they did it with their conscience clear, as if they were trying to be the most efficient baked bean canning factory.