1. Power and Control: Goeth's cruelty was driven by his desire for power and control over the prisoners. He enjoyed exercising his authority and saw the prisoners as objects to be manipulated and dominated.
2. Lack of Empathy: Goeth's actions also reflected a lack of empathy and compassion for the prisoners. He viewed them as subhuman and considered himself superior to them. This lack of empathy allowed him to inflict unimaginable suffering without remorse.
3. Indoctrination: Goeth was indoctrinated by Nazi ideology, which promoted antisemitism, racism, and dehumanization. He believed that he was carrying out a legitimate and necessary mission to exterminate the Jews and other perceived enemies of the Nazi regime.
4. Desensitization: Over time, Goeth became desensitized to the suffering he caused. The continual exposure to violence, death, and pain made him indifferent to the human tragedy unfolding around him.
It's important to note that Goeth's cruelty was not unique among Nazi leaders. Many high-ranking Nazi officials and administrators were responsible for horrific atrocities during the Holocaust, reflecting a culture of brutality and disregard for human life that permeated the Nazi regime.