“I finally realised that I must do my schoolwork to keep from
being ignorant, to get on in life, to become a journalist, because that's what
I want! I know I can write ..., but it remains to be seen whether I really have
talent ...
And if I don't have the talent to write books or newspaper
articles, I can always write for myself. But I want to achieve more than that.
I can't imagine living like Mother, Mrs. van Daan and all the women who go
about their work and are then forgotten. I need to have something besides a
husband and children to devote myself to! ...
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! And that's why I'm so
grateful to God for having given me this gift, which I can use to develop
myself and to express all that's inside me!
When I write I can shake off all
my cares. My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that's
a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever
become a journalist or a writer?”
— Anne Frank
She most certainly did.
Her compelling voice inspires, educates and moves people still to this day. Words she wrote during a time of great suffering and loss, when freedom of speech was an unspoken luxury.
In Amsterdam, you can't help be wrapped up in the history and story of Anne Frank - and if you're not - you need to be. A recent trip to the beautiful city taught me this.
