How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph, Sentence)
Quote #1
How could we ever understand the passivity of the onlookers and—yes—the silence of the Allies? (8, 17)
One would think that, after witnessing the Holocaust, the victors of World War II would be first in line to condemn it, especially considering the Nazi's status as Public Enemy #1. But it took a shockingly long time for the Allies to come out and condemn the Holocaust.
Quote #2
And then too, the people around us refused to listen; and even those who listened refused to believe; and even those who believed could not comprehend. (22, 1)
Terrible facts can motivate, but they can also stun. Passivity can be an unintended side effect.
Quote #3
If someone had told us in 1945 that in our lifetime religious wars would rage on virtually every continent, that thousands of children would once again be dying of starvation, we would not have believed it. (24, 1)
The pace of change can be so brutally, frustratingly slow that it may seem as if the entire world is mired in passivity and unwillingness to alter behavior.