This is a continuation of my reading of Victor Herman’s book, Coming Out Of The Ice, An Unexpected Life, out of print for some time. Just a reminder of why I am doing this. I consider this book to be extremely important, because it is a glimpse into what we can expect if we do not resist the oncoming tyranny. Victor Herman, in discussing his experiences in the Soviet gulag emphasized: “Don’t think it can’t happen here.” And, it is now happening here.
The series begins here.
Absurdity.
Absurdity and totalitarianism are inextricably linked. The mass formation that leads to totalitarianism requires ritualistic absurdity in order to persist.
The greater the absurdity, the more effective the ritual. And this appears in many forms.
In this chapter Victor negotiates his chance at release. At least he thinks so.
“It makes no sense,” I said. “You realize that.”
“Of course,” Belov said. That is why it works.”
The reading is here. As always, I hope you appreciate Victor’s words.