“While in general I avoid the use of torture - torture locates the opponent and mobilizes resistance - the threat of torture is useful to induce in the subject the appropriate feeling of helplessness and gratitude to the interrogator for withholding it. And torture can be employed to advantage as a penalty when the subject is far enough along with the treatment to accept punishment as deserved. To this end I devised several forms of disciplinary procedure. One was known as the Switchboard. Electric drills that can be turned on at any time are clamped against the subject's teeth; and he is instructed to operate an arbitrary switchboard, to put certain connections in certain sockets in response to bells and lights. Every time he makes a mistake the drills are turned on for twenty seconds. The signals are gradually speeded up beyond his reaction time. Half an hour on the Switchboard and the subject breaks down like an overloaded thinking machine.”

Modern Relevance:

The quote from William S. Burroughs on the use of torture may seem extreme and controversial, but it holds modern relevance in discussions about psychological manipulation, interrogation techniques, and ethics in warfare and intelligence gathering. The idea of inducing helplessness and gratitude through the threat of torture is still a topic of debate in today's society.

Quote Analysis

In this quote by William S. Burroughs, the author discusses the use of torture as a means of inducing helplessness and gratitude in the subject being interrogated. Burroughs describes a specific form of torture he devised called the Switchboard, which involves using electric drills on the subject's teeth while they are instructed to operate a switchboard. The threat and use of torture are seen as a way to break down the subject's mental resistance and force compliance. This quote highlights the brutal and dehumanizing tactics that can be employed in the name of interrogation and control.

Example Usage

William S. Burroughs, in his writing, discusses the use of torture as a tool for inducing feelings of helplessness and gratitude in subjects. He describes a disciplinary procedure known as the Switchboard, where electric drills are used to punish mistakes made by the subject.

Reflection Questions:

As you reflect on the passage above, consider the following questions:

1. How do you feel about the use of torture as a means of interrogation or discipline?
2. What ethical considerations come to mind when thinking about the Switchboard technique described by William S. Burroughs?
3. In what ways do you think this approach to obtaining information or inducing compliance may be harmful to both the subject and the interrogator?
4. How do you think societal attitudes towards torture have evolved over time, and what impact has this had on policies and laws regarding interrogation techniques?
5. What alternatives to torture do you think could be effective in gathering information or maintaining discipline in a controlled environment?