"To build up a future, you have to know the past."
About Otto Frank
Otto Frank — Life and Legacy
Otto Frank, the father of Anne Frank, is a poignant figure in history, known for his role in preserving his daughter's legacy through her diary. After the tragic loss of his family during the Holocaust, he dedicated his life to sharing Anne's story, emphasizing the importance of hope and humanity in the darkest of times. His belief that 'Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart' reflects a profound optimism that challenges the despair he witnessed. This quote reveals his deep understanding of human nature, suggesting that kindness and goodness can prevail even amidst suffering. Frank's commitment to promoting tolerance and understanding continues to resonate today, reminding us of the enduring power of love and resilience in overcoming adversity. His efforts not only immortalized Anne's voice but also serve as a call to action for future generations to foster compassion and empathy.
Quote collection
Otto Frank quotes
12 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"We cannot change what happened anymore. The only thing we can do is to learn from the past and to realize what discrimination and persecution of innocent people means. I believe that it's everyone's responsibility to fight prejudice."
"I hope Anne's book will have an effect on the rest of your life so that insofar as it is possible in your own circumstances, you will work for unity and peace."
"There are no walls, no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind."
"One day in Auschwitz I became so dispirited that I couldn't carry on. They had given me a beating, which wasn't exactly a pleasant experience. It was on a Sunday, and I said: 'I can't get up'. Then my comrades said: 'That's impossible, you have to get up, otherwise you're lost'. They went to a Dutch doctor, who worked with the German doctor. He came to me in the barracks and said: 'Get up and come to the hospital barracks early tomorrow morning. I'll talk to the German doctor and make sure you are admitted'. Because of that I survived."
"I think it is not only important that people go to the Anne Frank House to see the secret annex, but also that they are helped to realise that people are also persecuted today because of their race, religion or political convictions."
"We don't need the Nazis to destroy us. We're destroying ourselves."
"I shall remember the look in Margot's eyes all my life."
"Every child has to raise itself."
"We all had lots of stories of our sad experiences - they mourned the death of my wife with me - but we were hopeful that the children would return."
"I will never forget the moment when Peter van Pels and I saw a group of selected men. Among those men was Peter's father. The men were marched away. Two hours later, a lorry came by, loaded with their clothing."
"Most parents don’t know really their children."