"When the German armies first swept into the western regions of the Soviet Union they had been greeted as liberators. The Soviet people, who had suffered two decades of oppression under Stalin, were ready to go over to Germany's side. What they wanted was 'liberation from Bolshevism.' If they had been treated with respect and sympathy they would have eagerly embraced the German cause. But instead they had been made slaves." - Michael Lynch
Success can rise so easily to one's head. Even much, much subtler victories than the conquest of Soviet villages spawn a cocky remark, a "told-you-so" gesture, or something more condescending. Respect is an exercise best done daily.
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