The Theory and Practice of Hell (76 page)

How can the general evil still be countered?

It is not my task here to examine at length the positive possibilities inherent in the general political situation, con trary to all appearances. I can hint only at the German possibilities.

There can be no doubt that the forces of leadership and regeneration are in the minority, endangering our hope of escaping ultimate disaster. Yet the experience of the four years since 1945 offers proof a hundred times over that there is a latent majority among the German people, especially a considerable proportion of the younger generation, that is in truth prepared to back those men and women who would head a vigorous turn for the better, if only the prospect of common

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European solutions can be made more concrete and plausible than has been the case heretofore. It is of crucial importance to Germany to become fully integrated with Europe. Such a development would lessen many of the peculiarly German problems. A visible victory over the narrow nationalism that is in evidence everywhere would create the tangible opportunity for far-reaching improvement in Germany. It must be realized, of course, that the old spirit is doomed and cannot enter into the new Europe. But there is the chance of making a fresh start, because the arguments of the incorrigibles, who today find food for folly on every side, may yet pale into insignificance. The literature, good, bad, and indifferent, on the old con centration camps, has nevertheless managed to find millions of readers in Germany. It will in the end, render its con tribution toward a change, as soon as circumstances begin to change, as soon as the deep shadows that rest on the land begin to lift, as soon as life within the European community again becomes worth living. This is a distinct possibility in this time of decision—an alternative to the possibility of another period of darkness, whether of war or of dic tatorship. The time is not far distant when it will become clear whether Europe will follow the path toward freedom or

toward slavery.

As for the German people, it is not so much the former slave who has never known freedom who hates slavery, as the man who has lived a free life in a community of free men. This will become a question of new experiences—not of Nazi or other totalitarian policies. Only thus will Germany be able to overcome the remnants of Hitler that survive within it—and they are, on the whole, by no means inconsiderable, in thought, action and emotion. A wholesome revulsion against any form of concentration camp will stand the German people in good stead.

Are the Russian concentration camps any excuse for their German predecessors? No! On the contrary, the system of the SS super state must be recognized for what it is, so that any spread of the GPU super state may be combated, so that any resurgence in our midst, whether by our aid or because of our silence, may be prevented. With all the present knowledge at our command, there is no excuse left for anyone—inside Ger many and out.

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