Chapter 274
Witnessing the Unthinkable
From Prince Shcherbátov’s house the prisoners were led straight down the Virgin’s Field, to the left of the nunnery, as far as a kitchen garden in which a post had been set up. Beyond that post a fresh pit had been dug in the ground, and near the post and the pit a large crowd stood in a semicircle. The crowd consisted of a few Russians and many of Napoleon’s soldiers who were not on duty—Germans, Italians, and Frenchmen, in a variety of uniforms. To the right and left of the post stood rows of French troops in blue uniforms…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Moral Exit Strategy
Think of a current situation where you feel pressure to go along with something that doesn't feel right - at work, in your family, or in your community. Write down the key players involved, what each person's role is, and what excuses they might use to avoid responsibility. Then identify three specific actions you could take to either resist or remove yourself from the situation.
Consider:
- •Consider how each person involved might be telling themselves they're not really responsible
- •Think about what small acts of resistance or documentation might be possible even in difficult situations
- •Remember that having an exit strategy doesn't mean you have to use it immediately - just knowing your options can help you act with more integrity
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you went along with something that made you uncomfortable because everyone else was doing it. What would you do differently now, and what warning signs would you watch for in the future?
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