Concentration camp Quote by Ernesto Sabato
““I have seen émigrés with the humility typical of concentration camp survivors come to this country and happily accept anything that afforded a livelihood, the most demeaning jobs. But is it not rather strange that a man cannot be content with having escaped torture and death? As soon as he begins to enjoy his new security, the pride and vanity and arrogance that seemed to have been permanently obliterated begin to creep back, like beasts driven into hiding – but showing themselves with greater insolence, as if in reaction to the shame of having fallen so low. It is not rare in such circumstances to witness ingratitude and lack of appreciation.””
About This Quote
It observes that survivors of extreme trauma may develop ingratitude when safety returns, as pride and vanity resurface.
In simple terms: Trauma can lead to unexpected arrogance after relief.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of complex reactions to newfound security.
Themes
psychology
human behavior
trauma recovery
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- immigration experiences
- post‑war adjustment
- social integration
Key Concepts
post‑traumatic growth
ego dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the shift from humility to arrogance?
- How can societies support healthy reintegration?
A Different Perspective
Not all survivors become grateful; some may overcompensate.
![“[Albert]Camus had denounced the gulag and Stalin's trials. Today we can see that he was right. To say that there were concentration camps in the USSR at the time was blasphemous, something very serious indeed. Today we think about the USSR with the camps also in mind, but before it just wasn't…” quote by Catherine Camus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7d9/catherine-camus-12238_camps_albert-camus-had-denounced-the-gulag-and_163819.jpg)