FastSaying

First they came for the Communists but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists but I was not one of them, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews but I was not Jewish so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.

Martin Niemoeller

Martin Niemoeller

Related Quotes

In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.
— Martin Niemoeller
Germany
A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on an installment plan.
— Martin
Death / immortality
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
— Martin
Advice / experience / wisdom
Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve.. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
— Martin
Inspirational
A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
— Martin
Death / immortality