Who said “If Germany, thanks to Hitler and his successors, were to enslave the European nations…”?

Verified

Simone Weil. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Great Beast (1947)

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“If Germany, thanks to Hitler and his successors, were to enslave the European nations and destroy most of the treasures of their past, future historians would certainly pronounce that she had civilized Europe.”
— Simone Weil
VerifiedThe Great Beast (1947) · evidenceCivilization

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Great Beast (1947).

APA

Weil, S. (n.d.). If Germany, thanks to Hitler and his successors, were to enslave the European nations and destroy most of the treasures of their past, future historians would certainly pronounce that she had civilized Europe. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10131-if-germany-thanks-to-hitler-and-his-successors/

MLA

Weil, Simone. “If Germany, thanks to Hitler and his successors, were to enslave the European nations and destroy most of the treasures of their past, future historians would certainly pronounce that she had civilized Europe.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10131-if-germany-thanks-to-hitler-and-his-successors/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Weil, Simone. “If Germany, thanks to Hitler and his successors, were to enslave the European nations and destroy most of the treasures of their past, future historians would certainly pronounce that she had civilized Europe.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10131-if-germany-thanks-to-hitler-and-his-successors/.

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“The afflicted are not listened to. They are like someone whose tongue has been cut out and who occasionally forgets the fact. When they move their lips no ear perceives any sound. And they themselves soon sink into impotence in the use of language, because of the certainty of not being heard.”
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