Getting used to it

[Cindy]

#5. Frankl quotes Dostoevski, “who flatly defines man as a being who can get used to anything.” Do you agree? Do you think you could “get used to” life in a concentration camp?

[Chelsea]

I think you'd have to. I thought it was interesting how he described that those who have high emotional pressure need to have it released gradually otherwise they get the equivalent of the bends like in scuba diving. So in a way I think they are used to that pressure and how to survive it and when it's gone their mind goes a little crazy.

[Barb]

Maybe that's why society has changed and become more... for want of a better word... "sinful." We just get plain get used to it.

[Cindy]

Interesting twist on that concept, Barb!
I think as far as the camps go, they either got used to it, or they died. And many people did just give up and die. I hope I would have gotten used to it, but I'm afraid I might be one of the other kind. Scary to think about.

[Carol]

Getting used to things has been a big part of my life. Having breast cancer has been a challenge, having cancer in my spine has been really tough, having all my teeth removed and getting used to dentures, having hip and shoulder replacements has been a big challenge. I’m tired of all this,plus being in the hospital with pneumonia 2 to 3 times per year. I want to be well and not hurt all the time.

[Cindy]

I'm so sorry, Carol. I think you can relate to parts of this story in ways the rest of us can't.