New Europe College Regional Program Yearbook 2001-2002

N.E.C. Yearbook 2001-2002
from realizing all the consequences of the situation. On 31 Mai 1940, he
wrote in his diary:
I could not be objective. The so-called “objectivity” which I observe in
many people (Camil as well) seems to me a way of accepting things, of
adapting to them. Not only does he not feel frightened by the Germans, but
he shows respect, even liking for them.... The world is startled, when it
should feel frightened…. 78
The issue of “conformism” brings us into the realm of the more general
question regarding the role and responsibility of the intellectuals of the
society. This usually leads to passing moral judgment. Inclination to do
just this is particularly strong when it comes to the issue that is the subject
of this article. It is my opinion that this should be done very carefully and
that any such attempt should necessarily start by looking at the choices
available by taking into account such questions as: can we accuse
someone of not having been sufficiently active and finding the means to
adapt? Can we blame those who attempted escape? Of those who were
silent, why were they silent? Did this silence mean compliance or
agreement, or was it, as a reaction to the lack of choices available, an
expression of protest? Finally, is it legitimate to ask this “moral question”
in such an extreme situation? As well as the more general question, as to
whether the historian has the right to pass moral judgment at all?
This essay was not intended as an assessment of the behavior of the
Romanian intellectuals in the wartime years, but only to present their
reaction to the paramount ideology of the time. The rest is left for the
reader.
130