Anne Frank, Age 13-14 Quotations (Continued)
Character
“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness.”
“To be honest, I can’t imagine how anyone could say ‘I’m weak’ and then stay that way. If you know that about yourself, why not fight it, why not develop your character? Their answer has always been ‘Because it’s much easier not to!”
“What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again.”
“I don’t want to have lived in vain like most people. I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!”
Happiness
“I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.”
“If only I can be myself, I’ll be satisfied.”
“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.”
We all live with the object of being happy, our lives are all different and yet the same… Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.”
As long as this exists, this sunshine and this cloudless sky, and as long as I can enjoy it, how can I be sad?”
“In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
Writing
“The nicest part is being able to write down all my thoughts and feeling; otherwise, I might suffocate.”
“When I write, I can shake off all my cares.”
“If I haven’t any talent for writing books or newspaper articles, well, then I can write for myself.”
Youth
“We aren’t allowed to have any opinions. People can tell you to keep your mouth shut, but it doesn’t stop you having your own opinion. Even if people are still very young, they shouldn’t be prevented from saying what they think.”
“How noble and good everyone could be if, every evening before falling asleep, they were to recall to their minds the events of the whole day and consider exactly what has been good and bad. Then without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day.”