“How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause. Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go. But how many have to die on the battlefield in these days, how many young, promising lives. What does my death matter if by our acts thousands are warned and alerted. Among the student body there will certainly be a revolt.”
― Last words by Sophie Scholl just before execution
Today, I wanted to take a moment to remember Sophie Scholl. She was just 21 years old when she was put to death by the Nazi state after leading the White Rose non-violent student movement in opposition to Nazism.
Those last words (see above) which were expressed truly were among her last words before leaving this world. Technically, there is some debate as to what her actual last words really were. According to Wikipedia (see link below):
As for her last words, they were most likely either "God, my refuge unto eternity" or "The sun still shines."
Sometimes, when you see only images of masses of people giving fascist straight-arm salutes and seemingly mindlessly revering Hitler en masse, it is easy to forget that there actually was opposition to Hitler and Nazism inside of Germany. You just get the impression that everyone was on board, that everyone knew what was going on, even if they claimed otherwise after the fact.
Yet, there was some opposition to Nazism from inside Germany, as well as inside of the occupied territories. We hear stories of true heroes. These remind us that indeed, there are always good people everywhere, trying to make a difference in whatever way that they can.
Living in Nazi Germany as she did, Scholl was only too aware that her fate was sealed and real. Yet, she left such remarkable words, which have endured for decades since. We can take inspiration from these words, and the intelligence and bravery with which she uttered them.
On this day, I wanted to take a moment to remember Sophie Scholl, killed on February 22, 1943.
Wikipedia: Sophie Scholl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie_Scholl
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