Holocaust Survivor Dr. Edith Eger on the Gift of Forgiveness

Authority

Questioning authority is essential to prevent the dangers of blind obedience. Edith Eger emphasizes the importance of assigning shame and guilt to perpetrators rather than adhering to authority without question. She reflects on her return to Auschwitz, where she confronted these ideas and recognized the necessity of questioning authority to avoid repeating historical atrocities 1. Ryan Holiday adds that losing our sense of collective humanity can lead to terrible injustices against others, highlighting the need for unity and understanding 1.

It's wonderful what you're saying, to be for something rather than against. And I think that is so important because we've never been as divided as we are now.

--- Edith Eger

The conversation underscores the significance of being proactive in fostering a sense of shared humanity and resisting divisive ideologies.

   

Humanity

Understanding our shared humanity is crucial in combating dehumanization and discrimination. Edith Eger shares a poignant story of encountering a young white supremacist and choosing to find common ground rather than react with anger 2. She believes that everyone has a bigot inside them, and recognizing this can help create an environment where people feel safe to express their feelings without judgment 2.

I created the atmosphere that I do today to people that they can feel any feelings without the fear of being judged.

--- Edith Eger

Ryan Holiday reflects on the impact individuals can have on history, whether for better or worse, and stresses the importance of choosing to be a hero rather than a villain 3.