"The Banality of Evil"

One of the most chilling photographs I've ever seen is of a smiling group of employees who are posing outdoors at an office retreat. One is holding an accordion.

All of them worked at Auschwitz.

One wonders how much of their time was spent thinking about the larger nature of their employment as opposed to worrying about promotions, spreading gossip, seeking better work schedules, and griping about the boss.

It would also be fascinating to know what was on the agenda for the retreat. Did they have motivational speakers? Group exercises? They obviously had some music.

A short documentary on the photos is here. Mind-boggling.