"If Germany, thanks to Hitler and his successors, were to enslave the European nations and destroy most of the treasures of their past, future historians would certainly pronounce that she had civilized Europe"

In this quote, Simone Weil is cautioning about the possible consequences of Germany's actions under the leadership of Hitler and his successors. She recommends that if Germany were to succeed in oppressing the European countries and destroying their cultural heritage, future historians would view this as a form of "civilizing" Europe. This is a troubling thought, as it indicates that the destruction of other countries and their history could be viewed as a positive or required step in the progress of civilization. Weil's words function as a cautionary tip of the threats of uncontrolled power and the value of preserving the variety and richness of our cumulative past.