Man's Search For Meaning - 94

     In this section of Man's Search For Meaning, Frankl describes how bad the camp really got. It was luck that chose who would live an who would die. After volunteering for a position as a typhus doctor at a new camp, Frankl remembers that "cannibalism had broken out"(56). He could of starved to death but fate brought him to a new camp. Another instance was when transporters came to supposedly "rescue" the prisoners. Frankl was left in the last group which fortunately saved his life as the rest of the transports were burned in tents. Many a time, Frankl and his friend planned to escape but of course that can be very risky. It all came down to decisions and mental toughness. Even through rough conditions, the prisoners tried to make their suffering worthy of an achievement. Those who gave up hope seemed to die off quickly as there was nothing left to hold on to. Their bodies are weak, so they have to rely upon the spiritual and psychological part to get them through. Frankl felt compelled to give a few words of encouragement to his hut as they went a day without food to protect a fellow prisoner. He talked about the future and sacrifice. But most importantly Frankl reminded them, "that which does not kill me, makes me stronger"(82).
     Frankl describes the minds of the guards and is baffled on how man can treat men like animals. He goes on to say that their are two types of men, "the "race" of the decent man and the "race" of the indecent man"(86). When Frankl and is peers were set free, they couldn't feel any sense of pleasure. They forgot the feeling of happiness, it had to be relearned over time. A beautiful quote is said by Frankl as he realizes that freedom is really his: "I called to the Lord from my narrow prison and He answered me in the freedom of space"(89). After liberation, many prisoners were bitter and used their story as an excuse for bad behavior. Others had a hard time copping with the reality that their loved ones weren't there to welcome them home. Frankl gives us detailed snapshots of how life was really endured during and after the Holocaust. It truly is fascinating since the prisoners could feel no joy as that white flag came up.