Every day I shall put my papers in order and every day I shall say farewell. And the real farewell, when it comes, will only be a small outward confirmation of what has been accomplished within me from day to day.
– Etty Hillesum
I think what weakens people most is fear of wasting their strength.
– Etty Hillesum
Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.
– Etty Hillesum
Ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world.
– Etty Hillesum
I do believe it is possible to create, even without ever writing a word or painting a picture, by simply molding one's inner life. And that too is a deed.
– Etty Hillesum
One must also accept that one has 'uncreative' moments. The more honestly one can accept that, the quicker these moments will pass.
– Etty Hillesum
We are always in search of the redeeming formula, the crystallizing thought.
– Etty Hillesum
We have to fight them daily, like fleas, those many small worries about the morrow, for they sap our energies.