The Gulag Archipelago1 offers a personal and introspective account of the soviet gulag system as Solzhenitsyn reflects not only on his own experiences but also on the broader ideological framework that underpinned Stalin’s Soviet regime. In his book, he describes the systemic cruelty of the soviet prison systems (Gulags), examining the role of the “blue caps” — the Soviet officers who administered the brutal labor camps and interrogated prisoners at their headquorters2 — and the broader philosophy (or lack of a real philosophy?) that shaped their actions. He points out how the corrupt nature of a social system can tempt even honorable individuals to conform to it, bringing out their worst sides. And if not succumbed to the system, then unmercifully exiled or, in most cases, imprisoned. He argues that when a corrupt idealism and philosophy drive evil acts, people are often drawn further into darkness. Solzhenitsyn’s work probes into the dehumanizing effects of this system, illuminating both its individual and collective dimensions. According to him, one of the primary factors enabling such pervasive evil by the blue caps was the level of compliance of ordinary Russian citizens, who, without any resistance, passively obeyed, leading to their eventual interrogation and transfer to the Gulags on a massive scale.*
One theme that particularly resonated with me was his discussion of the “inner radar.” Through his interactions with new prisoners and observations of camp dynamics, Solzhenitsyn describes a nearly instinctual ability to identify possible informants and those with possible malicious intents by analyzing certain visual cues and body language, an intuition he learned to trust through time, as this skill was crucial for navigating such an environment.
From an evolutionary perspective, this instinctual judgment has evolved in much the same way as our physical traits, shaped and refined over millions of years of natural selection and adaptation. Our inner selves, including our thought patterns, instincts, and this “inner radar,” are a part of our deeper intelligence and deserve acknowledgement. Though modern psychology may not fully understand and formalize this trait, I believe it is essential to understand it for our further advancement in life. We should embrace and listen to this inner voice when it speaks to us. It communicates to us from the point of view of the accumulated wisdom of generations, embedded right in our DNA, or in other words, gut feeling.
Modern medicine and psychology (Medicine 2.0)3 can be compared to contemporary music (Digital Music) as opposed to classical in the way it seeks to modernize and simplify complexity. Approaching such a historically intricate field through sole analytical observation and logical frameworks is correct on paper but, it often reduces complex systems to simpler scientific hypotheses and conclusions, overlooking the deeper, more nuanced capabilities and qualities that define human beings. It is important to recognize that science is a dynamic and evolving field, one that continuously refines and corrects itself as new discoveries are made and understanding deepens. The inner radar is an instinctively ingrained characteristic that modern science has yet to fully articulate or quantify. Despite its apparent presence in human experience, this inherent capability resists precise formulation within the frameworks of contemporary scientific understanding, thus, is neglected and considered non-influential, or, in other words, a sort of fairy tale. The author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, having endured the harshest aspects of human nature with limited resources and in the grip of poverty, does not share the same perspective.
I agree that the “inner radar” is powerful and often accurate in assessing the character of new acquaintances and predicting future relationship dynamics. However, I must also note here that my own experience has shown, quite a few times, that it can sometimes fail, leading to unexpected “surprise” outcomes. There is no absolute 100% certainty with this instinct, since other thoughts and emotions may from time to time interfere with it, but still, in critical situations it often proves reliable. If we observe carefully and with a calm and aware mind, we can see that people seldom display subtle physical signs—gestures, a look, a grin—that may involuntarily reveal themselves from time to time, previously concealed under their social masks for the occasion.† Our inner voice primarily serves to guide us through the uncertainties and challenges of the world. Much like the evolutionary arms race between viruses and the immune system4, our psychological mechanisms have also been engaged in a long term social struggle to navigate and counter the complexities posed by deceptive peers with malicious intent.5
* The book illustrates how, in many instances, the justification for arrest was fabricated after the detainment, and often based on personal vendettas. Certain interrogators, notorious for their cruelty, were known to say, “Show me the man and I’ll find you the crime.” This reflects the pervasive corruption within the system, where individuals were arrested arbitrarily, and the charges were fabricated afterward to justify their detention, fueled by personal animosities and the unchecked power of the authorities.
†Everyone wears these masks. It is part of human nature.
Footnotes:
1) The Gulag Archipelago by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. A poignant and deeply insightful memoir that masterfully illuminates the profound flaws and systemic injustices embedded within the Soviet judicial system.
2)The Lubyanka, the headquarters of the NKVD and MGB (The Organs) in Moscow, serves as a central setting for many of the narratives in the book. Detailed accounts of the holding cells, the interrogation processes, and the harsh conditions faced by prisoners are well illustrated in the book. Solzhenitsyn also explores the character and conduct of the officers in charge, shedding light on the chilling dynamics that defined the operations of this infamous institution. Through these accounts, the book paints a vivid picture of the systemic brutality and the personalities behind the enforcement of Soviet repression.
3) Medicine 2.0, a term coined by Peter Attia in his book Outlive, critiques the conventional medical approach in which doctors often intervene only in the later stages of a patient’s health decline, when significant deterioration has already occurred. In contrast, Attia introduces the concept of Medicine 3.0, a proactive and preventative approach to healthcare. This model emphasizes the importance of developing strategies to maintain good health before issues arise, ultimately aiming to extend individuals’ health spans by preventing disease and promoting long-term wellness.
4) To understand the immune system and how it had evolved, I strongly suggest this easy-to-read book: Immune, by Philipp Dettmer.
5) Another excellent book I highly recommend for further reading is Man Is Wolf to Man by Janusz Bardach. In this work, readers gain a unique and insightful perspective on the Soviet Gulag system, shedding light on its social issues.
Image Credits:
Şahin Kaya Arıkoğlu 