It was pure chance that enabled Primo Levi to survive Auschwitz. Evaluate. Levi, P "If This is a Man", Abacus, London, UK (2004)

Although Primo Levi was the recipient of good fortune, he fundamentally survived Auschwitz because of resourceful improvisation and his ability to maintain a sense of humanity. Levi was not a particularly strong and capable prisoner and could easily have become a 'muselmann'. However, he was able to overcome his physical weaknesses by using his initiative to survive the brutality of the Lager. "To escape from Auschwitz was no small fortune" (p.57).
Survival was the highest priority. Häftlinge had to be cunning and those who conformed to the myriad of rules perished. "For thos…