Leopold Engleitner is one of the many who proved himself stronger than the autoritarian nazi regime. That fascinates me, that strength, that resolve.

The author shares his own impression at the outset of this book:

What I have found so impressive is the outstanding simplicity and uprightness of Leopold Engleitner’s life; he succeeded in maintaining his personal integrity and his faith under the most adverse conditions imaginable. It is phenomenal that a huge, totalitarian system failed to break the will of such an unassuming man. Twentieth-century history would surely have been written differently if more of his contemporaries had acted as courageously as Leopold Engleitner.

Each documented interaction between Leopold and the authorities never fails to show how respectful he remained when explaining his stand. He would never compromise but did so with a mild temper and deep respect:

Engleitner was perfectly happy to accept work that the Nazis found for him but refused to support Hitler. Engleitner answered: “I’m grateful for all that governmental institutions do for citizens. In fact, I don’t smoke or drink and am therefore not a burden on the national health service.” “Well, that’s very commendable,” said the man, “but you must also defend the Fatherland!” “There’s no fatherland for me to defend,” Engleitner replied, “because all men are brothers. I take God as my guide, and he knows no borders. If you want to make war, I’m not going to stop you, but I won’t join in!”

Leopold and his fellows were shown remarkable trust during there time in the camps.

The SS displayed great trust in the Bible Students. They were among the few detainees assigned to shave the SS men because they could be trusted with razors.

Such an example of integrity is precious to me, I deeply hope to be able to display the same kind of courage and will. As Leopold says in the book this kind of strength is not only a matter of personal disposition, this comes from something greater. One has to trust and fully rely on that power to successfully face opposition. Of any kind. That account is an additional proof that this is possible. Leopold lived 107 years.