First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a socialist.


Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a trade unionist.


Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.


Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.


Martin Niemöller, 1946