Language:
English
Year of publication:
1989
Titel der Quelle:
Remembering for the Future; Working Papers and Addenda
Angaben zur Quelle:
(1989) 517-525
Keywords:
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Rescue
;
Righteous Gentiles in the Holocaust
Abstract:
Dismisses previous attempts to define the personality traits and personal background of Righteous Gentiles which set them apart from the rest of humanity. Argues that the rescue of the Jews during the Holocaust was generally not undertaken rationally and so cannot be judged in rational terms. Proposes a new definition of altruism as an innate human attribute capable of overcoming conditioned behavior. Though generally marginalized in society, it is everpresent in the human psyche, appearing only momentarily and on rare occasions, particularly when the sanctity of life is threatened. Thus, the altruistic person perceives his behavior as "normal" despite all rational considerations to the contrary. Recommends psychological introspection into ways to awaken the altruistic impulse in all.
Note:
Record created automatically from multi-article record # 000026774
,
Appeared also in "Holocaust and Genocide Studies" 3,2 (1988) 187-196.
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
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