Tzvetan Todorov Analysis

In Tzvetan Todorov’s article, he goes into detail about the constant tension between, vital values and moral values. Vital values being the values that are commanding survival at any cost and moral values enforce duties to help others in all situations. (pg 33) when referring to the Holocaust and the Auschwitz survivors the article has made evident that for some of those suffering in the concentration camps moral values were difficult and more than likely non-existent. Survival consumed the minds of the prisoners giving them no room for vital values, regardless of what battles were happening internally. For other victims of the camps moral values is what carried them through, and kept them strong.
According to Todorov we do not all become bruits when life becomes ugly. We do not all place our selves before others. I find myself partially agreeing with this statement. Yes I agree that we do not all become bruits when life gets ugly, however, some of us are simply bruits, not just when life gets ugly but all the time. I believe that the place we live in has a lot of bruits along with a lot of good genuine people. I believe that there is always an exception. People are different from one another. Even when raised the same way or believing in the same morals. What one may find the

Milgram concludes that, no is confronted with the consequences of their decision to carry out an evil act. (pg56) Whereas Todorov concludes that staying human is more important than staying alive. After reading both articles from the authors I find myself struggling with whether I agree or disagree. I almost agree with both of them to an extent. I truly believe that it is important to stay human and not become so selfish in the things you are faced with. However, I also believe that if you were to commit and crime or act you should be held accountable for your actions. However that is much easier said than