“A remarkable—and singularly chilling—glimpse of human behavior. . .This meticulously researched book...represents a major contribution to the literature of the Holocaust."—Newsweek
Now available in audio for the first time, Christopher R. Browning’s shocking account of how a unit of average middle-aged Germans became the cold-blooded murderers of tens of thousands of Jews—now with a new afterword and additional photographs.
Ordinary Men is the true story of Reserve Police Battalion 101 of the German Order Police, which was responsible for mass shootings as well as round-ups of Jewish people for deportation to Nazi death camps in Poland in 1942. Browning argues that most of the men of RPB 101 were not fanatical Nazis but, rather, ordinary middle-aged, working-class men who committed these atrocities out of a mixture of motives, including the group dynamics of conformity, deference to authority, role adaptation, and the altering of moral norms to justify their actions. Very quickly three groups emerged within the battalion: a core of eager killers, a plurality who carried out their duties reliably but without initiative, and a small minority who evaded participation in the acts of killing without diminishing the murderous efficiency of the battalion whatsoever.
While this book discusses a specific Reserve Unit during WWII, the general argument Browning makes is that most people succumb to the pressures of a group setting and commit actions they would never do of their own volition.
Ordinary Men is a powerful, chilling, and important work with themes and arguments that continue to resonate today.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
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""Ordinary Men" is a chilling and thought-provoking exploration into the dark recesses of human nature, shedding light on the disturbing reality that ordinary individuals, much like ourselves, can be molded into ruthless, genocidal killers under certain circumstances. This book serves as a powerful reminder that the capacity for cruelty resides within all of us, waiting to be triggered by external influences.
Browning's meticulous research and compelling narrative skillfully unravel the transformation of a group of ordinary men—reserve police battalion 101—into perpetrators of heinous crimes during the Holocaust. As readers delve into the pages, they find themselves captivated by the psychological journey these men undergo, grappling with moral dilemmas and ultimately succumbing to the brutal demands of their environment.
What sets "Ordinary Men" apart is Browning's unflinching commitment to detailing the horrors of the Holocaust. The author provides a raw and unfiltered account that is not for the squeamish. Readers are confronted with the stark realities of mass shootings, forced labor, and the dehumanization of innocent lives. Browning's vivid descriptions force us to confront the uncomfortable truth about the depths of human depravity, challenging our preconceived notions of morality and righteousness.
The strength of Browning's work lies in his ability to make the reader reflect on their own susceptibility to manipulation and moral compromise. By examining the ordinary men who became instruments of genocide, he invites us to question our own capacity for cruelty when confronted with extreme circumstances. The book acts as a mirror, forcing readers to ponder how they might respond when faced with moral ambiguity and the pressures of authority.
"Ordinary Men" stands as a stark warning about the fragility of human morality and the ease with which seemingly ordinary individuals can become active participants in atrocities. Browning's research and storytelling are both haunting and enlightening, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's consciousness. This book is not merely a historical account but a profound exploration of the human psyche and its susceptibility to the forces of evil."
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Peppone (5 out of 5 stars)