Etty Hillesum Quotes (12 Quotes)

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.

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.

Become simple and live simply, not only within yourself but also in your everyday dealings. Don't make ripples all around you, don't try to be interesting, keep your distance, be honest, fight the desire to be thought fascinating by the outside world.

After each creative act one has to be sustained by one's strength of character, by a moral sense, by I don't know what, lest one tumble.

We are always in search of the redeeming formula, the crystallizing thought.

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.

Life cannot be captured in a few axioms. And that is just what I keep trying to do. But it won't work, for life is full of endless nuances and cannot be captured in just a few formulae.

One must also accept that one has uncreative moments. The more honestly one can accept that, the quicker these moments will pass.

I think what weakens people most is fear of wasting their strength.

Greed probably figures in my intellectual life as well, as I attempt to absorb a massive amount of information with consequent mental indigestion.

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.

I would . . . be so exhausted by my determination that I had no strength left to do the actual work.