“I simply can’t build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death… I think… peace and tranquillity will return again.”
- June 12, 1929 – February/March 1945
- German-Dutch
- Diarist, Holocaust Victim, Symbol of the Human Cost of War and Persecution
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Quote
“I simply can’t build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death… I think… peace and tranquillity will return again.”
Explanation
Anne Frank’s words here reflect a remarkable resilience and optimism amid despair. Living in hiding during one of the darkest chapters of human history, she consciously rejects the idea of grounding her future in fear, suffering, and chaos. Instead, she clings to the belief that hope must rest on something more enduring and humane, even when reality seems to offer little justification for such faith.
The ellipses in the sentence show her uncertainty, yet she still chooses to affirm her belief that “peace and tranquillity will return again.” This quiet conviction illustrates her inner strength and refusal to surrender to cynicism. Despite being surrounded by death and persecution, Anne imagines a better world—one where kindness and calm can once again prevail. Her hope is not naïve, but rather a deliberate act of courage in the face of overwhelming darkness.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to anyone enduring personal or collective trauma. Whether during wars, pandemics, or social unrest, Anne’s belief reminds us that hope can be a moral stance—a choice to believe in recovery and peace, not because they are guaranteed, but because they are worth striving for. Her words continue to inspire those who seek to rebuild lives not on the rubble of despair, but on the possibility of renewal and harmony.
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