A Hidden Life Monologues

The Austrian Franz Jägerstätter, a conscientious objector, refuses to fight for the Nazis in World War II.

I don't know everything. A man may do wrong, and he can't get out of it to make his life clear. Maybe he'd like to go back, but he can't. But I have this feeling inside me, that I can't do what I believe is wrong.

They seem to have more freedom, and to know more of peace and happiness, though they are only unreasoning animals, than we humans do. We who have the gift of understanding.

I thought that we could build our nest high up, in the trees. Fly away, like birds - to the mountains.

What comes next is seldom better.

If God gives us free will, we're responsible for what we do, what we fail to do, aren't we? If our leaders are not good, if they're evil, what does one do? I want to save my life, but not through lies.

When you give up the idea of surviving at any price, a new light floods in. Once, you were in a rush, always short of time. Now you have all you need. Once, you never forgave anyone. Judged people without mercy. Now you see your own weakness, so you can understand the weakness of others.

You - my shepherd. You make me lie down in green pastures, by the river of life. You - my strength. You show me the path. You - our light. Darkness is not dark to you. Bring us to your eternal light, to you - the true, the never-failing light.

Do you believe in what we're fighting for?