“An intellectual, once imprisoned, is crushed by the camp. Everything that used to be dear to him is trampled into the dust, and he sheds his civilization and culture in the shortest imaginable time, a matter of weeks.
In any discussion the main argument is a fist or a stick. The means of compulsion is a rifle butt or a punch in the mouth.
An intellectual turns into a coward, and his own brain suggests a justification for his actions. He can persuade himself of anything, he can take any side in an argument. The criminal world calls intellectuals "life teachers," fighters "for the people's rights."
A "slapping," a punch, is enough to turn an intellectual into the obedient servant of some thieving Senia or Kostia.
Physical influence becomes moral influence.
The intellectual becomes a permanently scared creature. His spirit is broken. Even when he gets back to life in freedom, he will still have this intimidated and broken spirit.”