Being Expendable by Benjamin Braginsky (2 results)

Paperback. Condition: VG. We all, as individuals, carry a covertly acknowledged value of our own self-worth in relation to the rest of the populace living within our society. Whether powerful or weak, we are subtly aware of our respective positions in the social hierarchy. However, the concept that we may serve as expendable components in the operation and progressive growth of society is a notion which is often rejected universally and discarded altogether. But the truth is, all of us - even the very powerful - are expendable, and when those in power develop a distorted concept of this phenomenon, we are left with a horrifying end; as was the case in the most inhumane and tyrannical event in the history of mankind: the Holocaust. The methodical elimination of over six million people stemmed from the idea of expendability; not necessarily that of the Jews but of the Nazi party instead. When faced with their own sense of worthlessness, men such as Hitler and Eichmann found they could increase their own expendability values - make themselves seem more essential to society - by isolating a group of people and labeling their race inferior. The next step was to murder them on the pretense of bettering society. The Holocaust happened as a result of intricate social and psychological tactics employed by the Nazi party. In "On Being Expendable," author Benjamin Braginsky proffers an in-depth explanation of how the concept of expendability defines the borders of a nation and plays a vital role in its economic stability. How did the Nazi party employ these models in their rise to power? How did Adolf Hitler shape the national character so conditions to carry out the Holocaust became favorable? How did he manipulate the idea of expendability in the minds of those in the Nazi hierarchy? What did the Rorschach inkblot test reveal about the character and beliefs of these men? Did Hitler and his cohorts possess natural compulsions toward the destruction of others? We live in a world where the worth of individuals is defined by economic status. What if our social system was instead based upon values rooted in a deep sense of humanity and respect for others? What if those in power could learn to accept their own expendability and focus on legislating laws which protect the uniqueness and creativity of man. Could changes such as these avert another Holocaust in the future? Benjamin Braginsky believes he has the answers in "On Being Expendable." 72 pages.

Soft cover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Stated First Printing. I would have rated this book Fine. It appears to have only one imperfection, a fingerprinty spot of soiling on the half title page (check out the second photo where the signed inscription is at the top). Otherwise, as I said, the book looks great. It's solidly bound and very clean. There's no other soiling on the pages, no markings, no writing/underlining. The pages are bright and white, no toning at all. This book is already rare without a signature, and as far as I could see this copy will be the only signed copy for sale on the Internet. The inscription does not reference the name of the owner of the book. I can tell you that it was owned by Dr. Louis B. Fierman who was a psychotherapist, author, and longtime Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University. Inscribed by Author(s).