Journal #16: Chapter 16

During the group discussion session, my group members tried to put ourselves into the Last One’s shoes. We asked ourselves, “would we be able to do what the man did?” Some of us said “yes” and the others said “no.” Those who answered “yes” said that no men could really live in Auschwitz and there would be nothing to be afraid of. Therefore, they wouldn’t fear death. But I was one of the people who said “no.” I understand that life in Auschwitz was not the same as life we were living now. However, I don’t think I would be brave enough to resist against the SS men and to die in front of other men. The Last One was a brave man; he stood for what he believed and was not afraid of punishment. He fought against the German SS men when most of men obediently followed the order.

Bravery. What is bravery? I think bravery is standing for what one truly believes and being responsible one’s actions regardless consequences. A brave person should be able to express his or her own thoughts and beliefs without being afraid of any threats. Primo Levi called Auschwitz “the house of the dead.” In Auschwitz, people lost their mind and soul. They were just slaves who ate, worked, and slept. Think was luxury for them! However, the Last One was different. He fought against the SS men until his death. He did what he considered to be right. And I think he should be respected for that.

A brave man is a man of integrity. However, I often feel sad because I think it is getting harder and harder to find people of integrity in our society. Many people, especially teenagers, tend to follow the crowd and not to find out who they are truly. We worry about how others would see us and think of us, so we sometimes conceal our thoughts and emotions. Are we brave? I don't think so. Ironically, however, we all want to be heroes among people even if we are not qualified. We should ask ourselves this question: are we brave enough that we would stand for what we believe to be right even if our lives are in danger?

Memorable Quotes:
“He is to die today before our very eyes: and perhaps the Germans do not understand that this solitary death, this man’s death which has been reserved for him, will bring him glory, not infamy” (149).

“To destroy a man is difficult, almost as difficult as to create one; it has not been easy, nor quick, but you Germans have succeeded. Here we are, docile under your gaze; from our side you have nothing more to fear; no acts of violence, no words of defiance, not even a look of judgment” (150).

“Alberto and I went back to the hut, and we could not look each other in the face. That man must have been tough, he must have been made of another metal than us if this condition of ours, which has broken us, could not bend him” (150).