eichmann in jerusalem
"But the point here is that officialese became his language because he was genuinely incapable of uttering a single sentence that was not a cliché. (Was it these clichés that the psychiatrists thought so 'normal' and 'desirable'? Are these the 'positive ideas' a clergyman hopes for in those whose souls he ministers? Eichmann's best opportunity to show this positive side of his character in Jerusalem came when the young police officer in charge of his mental and psychological well-being handed him Lolita for relaxation. After two days Eichmann returned it, visibly indignant; 'Quite an unwholesome book' -- 'Das ist aber ein sehr unerfreuliches Buch' -- he told his guard.)"
- Many thanks to Dan Kelly for the reference.
- More information on Hannah Arendt.
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