Final answer:
In the death camp at Auschwitz, Viktor Frankl observed that inmates who had the greatest chance of survival were those who maintained a sense of purpose and meaning. Spiritual resistance, including cultural and religious activities, gave strength to some prisoners. Mental resilience was a crucial factor for survival, more so than physical strength or social connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drawing on his experiences in the death camp at Auschwitz, Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, noted that the inmates with the best chances of survival were those who maintained a sense of purpose and meaning amidst the horrific conditions.
Despite the physical trials, starvation, and psychological torture, those who intellectually and emotionally could find a reason to hold on, a future to live for, often showed a remarkable resilience. Their ability to maintain hope in the face of complete dehumanization and embrace spiritual resistance allowed them to survive longer than many of their peers.
Frankl's observations are supported by examples of spiritual resistance throughout the Holocaust. Cultural activities, religious observances, and community solidarity offered some inmates the psychological strength to cope with the inhumane environment. It was the mental fortitude derived from a sense of purpose, rather than physical strength or social connections, that enabled these individuals to endure the prolonged sufferings.