man-s-search-for-meaning

MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING
curiosity to see whether their coats or shoes were not
better than one's own. After all, their fates were
sealed. But those who stayed behind in camp, who
were still capable of some work, had to make use of
every means to improve their chances of survival.
They were not sentimental. The prisoners saw themselves
completely dependent on the moods of the
guards - playthings of fate - and this made them even
less human than the circumstances warranted.
In Auschwitz I had laid down a rule for myself
which proved to be a good one and which most of my
comrades later followed. I generally answered all
kinds of questions truthfully. But I was silent about
anything that was not expressly asked for. If I were
asked my age, I gave it. If asked about my profession,
I said "doctor," but did not elaborate. The first morning
in Auschwitz an SS officer came to the parade
ground. We had to fall into separate groups of prisoners:
over forty years, under forty years, metal
workers, mechanics, and so forth. Then we were
examined for ruptures and some prisoners had to form
a new group. The group that I was in was driven to
another hut, where we lined up again. After being
sorted out once more and having answered questions
as to my age and profession, I was sent to another
small group. Once more we were driven to another hut
and grouped differently. This continued for some time,
and I became quite unhappy, finding myself among
strangers who spoke unintelligible foreign languages.
Then came the last selection, and I found myself back
in the group that had been with me in the first hut!
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