Etty Hillesum

From self-opening to humanity

Abstract

Etty Hillesum’s spiritual journey is characterized by an encounter with what mystics call the depths of the soul, the deepest and most intimate locus of the subject. Discovering the superabundance of love received from God, she also discovers herself called to give herself entirely to humanity to the point of self-forgetfulness. In such a way Etty Hillesum experiences a profound unity with herself, with God and with each other.