97-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Shares 9 Life Lessons People Learn Too Late | Edith Eger

This week marks the 500th episode of this podcast! And what a journey it’s been! There have been so many conversations that have had a profound impact upon my life and to celebrate, I thought it would be fitting to share the conversation that has impacted me the most:

My conversation with the incredible Dr Edith Eger back on episode 144 fundamentally changed who I am and how I see the world. I was lucky enough to meet Edith, now aged 97, a few weeks ago at an event in San Diego and sit down and have a chat with her. We were able to record our brief conversation, which you can hear at the end of this episode.

For those of you who haven’t already heard our initial conversation, Edith is a holocaust survivor who became a psychologist and an expert in the treatment of post-traumatic stress. She is also the author of 3 amazing books, The Choice: Even in Hell Hope Can Flower, The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life, and most recently, she has released ‘The Ballerina of Auschwitz – a retelling of her story for younger adults from a different perspective.

As a Jew living in Eastern Europe under Nazi occupation, Edith was taken to Auschwitz
concentration camp with her parents and sister, at the age of 16. In this conversation, she explains how she found her inner resources, how she came to view her guards as the real prisoners, turn hate into pity and, incredibly, she even describes her horrific experience as ‘an opportunity’. Edith not only survived Auschwitz, she freed herself from the trauma of her past by using her mind and the healing powers of forgiveness.

For those of you who have already heard this conversation, I would urge you to listen again because each time you listen, you will hear something different – as Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher said, ‘no man ever steps in the same river twice’. This really is a timeless conversation that keeps on giving.

Edith’s story is incredible. It is powerful, confronting and, at times, challenging. Above all though, it is deeply inspiring and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate 500 episodes of my podcast – I hope you agree.

#feelbetterlivemore
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Edith’s books:

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[Robinedghill]

I own her books and she’s made a difference in my life. Great lessons.

[evelynsnell]

Only 15 minutes in and already my heart is full to bursting with love. This dear woman is an angel❤

[olivillarroel]

Wow what a way to celebrate the 500 episode. Thanks so much. Shalom

[miaash]

So much wisdom in this beautiful lady!
Her beautiful face is a clear indication that this lovely lady holds zero grudges against anyone!
Edith has aged so gracefully!

[leilanikraushaar]

Wow, what a wise elder and expression of love and forgiveness.

[deborahshechter]

Thank you Rangan for posting this again. I was moved to tears this time as well. A special thank you for sharing your private conversation with her at the end. I truly appreciate what you do to inspire the world to live better lives. All the best.

[nancyhynes]

There is so much in this conversation. Thank you both.

[THFrenchteacher]

A timely conversation, especially in my country where hate and fear are used as tools to control the masses. If only we could learn from the past rather than repeat it. She has such wisdom. Thank you! 🙏

[janespitfire]

OMG! This was so enriching listening for me. Thank you both!!

[karenharvey]

Bless you, Edith. Age 63 now, I first visited an exhibition, as a sixteen year old, at a church in my home town. I sat, prayed and cried in confusion how humans could do that to another human. I learned that the reverend who came to talk to me had been a naval chaplain in World War Two.
Later, frrom the account of an uncle who was sent to liberate Belsen, I had the 'opportunity' to go there in 1987 (before the Berlin wall came down) with my soon to be husband. I was profoundly moved by the sheer numbers in each grave and the casual labels per race, or creed. My uncle had been a prison warder, before the army, but retrained as a Mental Health Nurse on his return.
I instantly connected to your sister's life saving words, "The spirit never dies.' Further there is so many constructive ways forward for many in different situations. I am struggling with grief at the moment and our twenty three years old son is still in education; delayed by COVID, so has another three and half years to go; including finding work placements before he can support himself. I shall make sure he listens to this discussion so that we can put things in some context, while still allowing ourselves to grieve.
Also, I shall be sharing this with my friends, family, previous colleagues and two ex bosses with the question, "When did YOUR childhood end?" Hopefully, we can all share something to realise "all we have is each other" and hope that some effort to be "for many things" rather than against them makes a positive enough difference to counter so much anger causing hatred in the world.
PLUS, your book is on my list as an essential life tool to pass down to my child and potential grand-children. 💚💙💜
Namaste xx ❤

[shamimgough]

Best podcast interview I've ever heard. To survive what she went through and tell the story😢 Thank you

[mickeylana]

As powerful as you said it would be...I think about how my school made a point of teaching us about the Holocaust in age-appropriate ways starting in third grade and how much it affected me as a person, then and now. We are so lucky to have voices like Edith.

[jenniferroy]

I saw you speak at Dr. Edith’s conference. I’m the author of a book about the story of my aunt’s childhood in the Holocaust.

When you finally met Dr. Edie in person, I cried. When you told your story, I thought it was one of the best testaments to the gift not only of Dr. Edie, but of your connection and responsibility to sharing wisdom and love.

[monicaallmond]

“The more I suffer, the more stronger I become.”

[MicheleDeCant]

Wow. Thanks for this episode. How special and honored I feel to be able to watch this...and really think on her messages!!!! Wow.

[oldie]

What a wise and beautiful lady; such an inspiration. Thank you so much Edith ❤❤❤❤❤

[majamilosevic-nlzy]

So beautiful conversation! I've heard for the first time for this gorgeous wise lady! I agree Rangan, she is so inspirational! What wisdom, hope, without resentment, just sheer love! Thank you a lot Rangan!

[susankemppinen]

Blessings and thank you both. I love Edi, have all her books . Blessings and love xx

[adriennf]

Edith Eva Eger 🥰🥰 Wisfom in all of her words

[shudyouzzef]

Hope your next guest is Dr. Norman Finkelstein. He’s a man of honor who stands for JUSTICE and deeply values HUMANITY 💪🏻