It is truly amazing how strong and enduring people's will to survive is. Certain of Lou's recollections make me cringe at humanity's blatant thoughtlessness and conditioning to whatever situation they're in. The guards, who for the first time in their lives, had power over others and abused it beyond all imagination. POWs in one camp were drenched in gasoline and burned alive in a pit. Some lost their fingertips trying to climb out only to be shot or bayoneted
In order to be truly happy, one must be able to fully forgive others. Lou had recurring nightmares about The Bird, his main tormentor, and this drove him to alcoholism. Finding the ability to forgive The Bird allowed Lou to let go of his past and move forward with his life - it repaired his marriage and allowed him to live an extremely happy and active life well into his 90s.
What I got out of it
You have more strength and willpower inside you than you'll ever know until your limits are pushed. Find out where your limits lie and you won't have any regrets
Forgive others no matter what. It is more for you than for them and until you do, you will not be able to truly move on with your life.
Extremely powerful book and one that I plan on reading again as it made me so grateful and aware of the amazing life I have
