The Legacy of Etty Hillesum: A Voice of Resilience

Etty Hillesum, a notable Jewish writer from Amsterdam, has left a profound mark through her diaries and letters. Born in 1914, she pursued studies in psychology and Slavic languages, eventually becoming a Russian teacher. Her writings from the Westerbork transit camp during World War II offer a poignant testament to her internal journey and unwavering faith in humanity's goodness.

Listening: The Pathway to Self-Discovery

Hillesum underscored the significance of listening—not only to others but also to oneself. She posited that genuine listening serves as a form of self-reflection that aids in comprehending our surroundings. This practice requires being fully engaged and aware of our inner thoughts and emotions. Through such attentive listening, we can forge authentic connections with ourselves and those around us.

Living in the Present: The Art of Mindfulness

A key teaching of Hillesum revolves around the necessity of residing in the present moment. She recognized that fixating on past events or fretting about the future often creates unnecessary stress. Instead, she advocated for fully embracing the present, which allows us to savor life's small joys and face challenges with greater tranquility.

Accepting Emotions: Embracing Our Humanity

Etty Hillesum maintained that all emotions—be it joy, sorrow, anger, or fear—are integral to the human experience. She encouraged acceptance of these feelings, granting them space without becoming overwhelmed. This acceptance enables us to engage with life's emotional highs and lows more profoundly and learn from them.

Philosophy in Action: Living Through Experience

For Hillesum, it was vital that philosophical insights and spiritual reflections transcended mere theory and were woven into everyday life. She urged active engagement with life's challenges and emphasized learning from every experience. This approach fosters a deep inner wisdom that surpasses verbal understanding.

Inner Wealth: The True Riches of Life

Hillesum often spoke of an inner wealth that exists independently of material possessions. This richness manifests as inner peace, self-acceptance, and a profound connection with the world. She believed that this inner treasure could sustain us even during tough times, provided we learn to listen to and trust our inner voice.

Choosing Love Over Pity: A Transformative Perspective

Etty Hillesum championed the notion that true strength is found in the capacity to love. She viewed love as a dynamic force that empowers us to show compassion and work toward the well-being of others. For her, love was more than an emotion; it was a deliberate choice that enriches and deepens existence.

The Quest for Inner Simplicity

Hillesum's journey was one of seeking inner simplicity and clarity. She realized that true simplicity is not dictated by external conditions but rather by a conscious internal attitude. This simplicity is a state of being that can be attained through acceptance, mindfulness, and love, guiding us to find inner peace in a complex world.

Literature

Hillesum, Etty. An Interrupted Life: The Diaries and Letters of Etty Hillesum, 1941–1943. Henry Holt and Company, 1996.

• A compilation of Hillesum's diaries and letters that offers deep insight into her thoughts, emotions, and spiritual journey during World War II.