“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.”

- 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
“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.”
Explanation
This quote encapsulates Anne Frank’s remarkable ability to find hope and joy in the face of unimaginable adversity. Despite the fear, deprivation, and confinement she experienced in hiding, Anne urges herself—and by extension, her readers—to focus on the beauty that endures, whether in nature, human kindness, or fleeting moments of peace. Her instruction is both simple and profound: shift your attention from despair to gratitude.
The strength of this quote lies in its contrast to Anne’s circumstances. She wrote these words during a time of war, persecution, and near-total isolation, yet she chose to look outward and upward. This attitude reflects a deliberate act of emotional resilience. By directing her thoughts to the beauty that “still left around” her, Anne reclaims a measure of control over her inner world. It’s a reminder that even when everything else is taken, perspective remains a personal choice.
In today’s fast-paced and often troubled world, this quote continues to inspire. When facing personal struggles or global crises, Anne’s words encourage us to pause, acknowledge the good, and let that awareness be a source of strength. Whether it’s a sunrise, a smile, or a quiet moment of peace, recognizing beauty can help cultivate happiness and emotional grounding, just as it did for a young girl hiding from the horrors of war.
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