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Fiery World - Book 1 (1933) - 261:
261. In antiquity human hatred cast a small viper, but not a python. Do not measure evil by its length. Actually, a small viper corresponds more closely to evil, since proportionately greater destruction issues from it. Let us not rely upon external measurements; evil seeks to undermine through minute entities. Likewise, disintegration begins with the smallest. One can observe how the essential nature of an entire nation is changed within one generation. Whole ages are not needed where the viper of treason has built its nest. It is astonishing how, beneath our very eyes, the dignity of a nation crumbles; but human minds usually do not grasp such a striking occurrence. A single rejected word may have lain at the basis, nevertheless, it resulted in treason. If we recall the events of the end of the eighteenth and in the middle of the nineteenth centuries, we are struck by the similarity to a recent event. Thus the character of entire countries is changed. Fiery World - Book 2 (1934) - 235:
235. One must observe how entire countries can be shaken by one incorrect interpretation. It is impossible to justify this by saying that someone did not know about something. Usually proof can be found that such knowledge had knocked at all doors, had lain on all tables, and had been mentioned many times. It is not right to try to justify inattention and unwillingness to think deeply.
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