{Mr. Hu said:} There always comes a time when a man almost reaches the end of his endurance and is tempted to write down something, however untrue, to satisfy his inquisitors and to free himself from intolerable pressure. But one mustn't do it. {. . .} Once one starts confessing, they will demand more and more admissions of guilt, however false, and exert increasing pressure to get what they want. In the end, one will get into a tangle of untruths from which one can no longer extract oneself.
In Nien Cheng's book "Life and Death in Shanghai," Mr. Hu reflects on the extreme pressure individuals may face when they feel overwhelmed. He emphasizes the struggle of resisting the temptation to provide false confessions to appease those who demand answers, particularly during intense periods of interrogation. The emotional toll of such circumstances can lead one to consider dishonest admissions as a means of escape from relentless scrutiny.
Mr. Hu warns that once a person begins to give in to these pressures, it can lead to a dangerous spiral of deceit. The constant demand for further confessions and the inevitable escalation of expectations can entrap individuals in a web of lies. This highlights a critical insight into the psychology of coercion, suggesting that maintaining one's integrity is paramount, despite the urge to surrender to exploitative demands for self-incrimination.
