"It's not till such times as these that we realize what it means to possess a past and a spiritual inheritance independent of changes of time and circumstance. The consciousness of being borne up by a spiritual tradition that goes back for centuries gives one a feeling of confidence and security in the face of all passing strains and stresses. I believe that anyone who is aware of such reserves of strength needn't be ashamed of more tender feelings evoked by the memory of a rich and noble past, for in my opinion they be long to the better and nobler part of mankind. They will not overwhelm those who hold fast to values that no one can take from them."
Letter to parents, 17 December 1943, reflecting on spending Christmas in prison. Image: Altdorfer' Nativity showing the Holy Family in a ruined stable.
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