If this was the last thing you could say to a person…
By Rajesh Setty on Wed 13 Aug 2008, 4:00 AM – 7 Comments
Benjamin Zander talks about the story of a woman who survived Auschwitz.
She was brought in there when she was fifteen and her brother was eight. They both were on a train to Auschwitz and she saw that her brother had no shoes. She told her brother – “Why are you so stupid. Can’t you keep your things together – for goodness sake” – the way a sister would speak to a brother. Unfortunately that was the last thing she said to him in her life. Her brother did not survive.
Once she came out of Auschwitz, she made a vow and it was:
“I will never say anything that couldn’t stand as the last thing that I ever say“
Benjamin Sander says that we may not be able to do this all the time but it is a possibility to live into.
The story brought tears in my eyes.
You can see the 20 minute talk at TED by Benjamin Zander here and be inspired. This story comes at the end of his talk but I can guarantee that you will enjoy every second of his talk.
Hat tip to my friend: Phil Gerbyshak
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7 Comments so far, Add Yours
S Krupa Shankar on August 13th, 2008
And the story is really touching. Thanks for sharing.
Rajesh Setty on August 13th, 2008
Hi Krupa,
How are you doing?
Sorry I was not clear about the “here”. I meant the video embedded below the blog post.
Cheers,
Rajesh
Phil Gerbyshak on August 16th, 2008
Raj – I think this is great advice. If you’re not willing to have something stand up forever, then don’t say it. Thanks for reminding me of this VERY important lesson.
S Krupa Shankar on August 17th, 2008
Rajesh,
I am doing quite great, thanks. Especially with nice people like you around. 
Actually I was not able to view the video and just saw some empty space after that paragraph (youtube blocked). Thanks for sharing the video (just watched).
virk on August 21st, 2008
Thanks for sharing; enjoyed the talk. I will remember the lesson.
Rajesh Setty on August 23rd, 2008
Phil, Krupa and Virk:
Hope you are all doing well. Thank you for your kind comments. Look forward to connecting with all of you separately.
Best,
Rajesh
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S Krupa Shankar on August 13th, 2008
Were you referring to any particular link in the ‘here’ in your last paragraph (“Benjamin Zander here”)?