How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
There is nothing surprising about these mistakes: the examination is too quick and summary, and in any case, the important thing for the Lager is not that the most useless prisoners be eliminated, but that free posts be quickly created, according to a certain percentage previously fixed. (13.31)
The dreaded selections are the central symbol for absurdity and arbitrariness in the book. Nothing about them makes any sense, since the selections aren't even made on the basis of the Nazis' own rules (selecting the healthy to remain and work). Primo hints that there is some logic behind this that is only known to the Nazis.