Etty Hillesum: The Life and Human Design of a Manifesting Generator

Etty Hillesum, a Dutch author, is renowned for her insightful diaries that provide a profound sociological perspective on Jewish life during the German occupation of the Netherlands. Born on January 15, 1914, in Middelburg, Netherlands, Etty’s life story is not only a testament to her intelligence and courage but also reflects her unique Human Design as a Manifesting Generator.

Early Life and Family Background

Etty’s father, Levie (Louis) Hillesum, was an esteemed teacher of classical languages at the Gymnasium, while her mother, Rivka (Rebecca) Bernstein, was a Jewish-Russian pianist who sought refuge in Holland in 1907 due to pogroms in Russia. Etty had two younger brothers, Jacob (Jacques, Jaap) Hillesum, who pursued a career in medicine, and Michael (Mischa) Hillesum, a talented pianist. The Hillesum family moved frequently, following her father’s career from Middelburg to various cities, finally settling in Deventer in July 1924.

Education and Intellectual Pursuits

Etty’s academic journey began at the Gymnasium, where her father served as deputy headmaster. She went on to study Law and Slavic Languages at the University of Amsterdam. By June 1935, she had completed her bachelor’s exams, and in July 1939, she completed her master’s degree in Dutch law. Her intellectual pursuits were a significant part of her life, reflecting her Human Design profile as a 5/1, which signifies a natural curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.

Human Design: Manifesting Generator

According to Human Design, Etty Hillesum was a Manifesting Generator, a type known for their dynamic energy and ability to multitask. This aspect of her design is evident in her prolific writing and her ability to maintain a complex personal and professional life despite the tumultuous times. Her Inner Authority was Emotional, meaning she often made decisions based on how she felt emotionally over time.

Her Strategy was “To Respond,” which aligns with how she navigated her life by responding to opportunities and challenges as they arose, rather than initiating action. Her Profile, 5/1, suggests she was a natural problem solver, often driven by a need to find practical solutions and share them with others.

Influence of Julius Spier

In February 1941, Etty met Julius Philipp Spier, a Jewish ex-banker and psycho-chirologist who became a significant influence in her life. Spier’s teachings helped Etty explore her emotional depth and spirituality, contributing to her personal growth and understanding of her Human Design’s Emotional Authority. Their relationship blossomed from therapy to a romantic involvement, profoundly affecting Etty’s spiritual and emotional development.

Life During the Holocaust

As the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, Etty’s resilience and strength became evident through her diaries and letters, where she documented the harsh realities of Jewish life under occupation. Her role at the Jewish Council allowed her some mobility between Amsterdam and the Westerbork transit camp, where she eventually chose to remain, alongside her family, in solidarity and support.

Diary as a Manifestation of Inner Authority

Etty’s diaries, initiated as part of her therapy, reflect her Manifesting Generator nature, capturing her emotional responses to the challenges she faced. Her writings reveal her emotional depth and resilience, often embodying her Strategy “To Respond” by processing her experiences and sharing her insights with the world. Her diary ends on September 6, 1943, just before her deportation to Auschwitz, where she was murdered on November 30, 1943.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition

Although Etty’s life was tragically cut short, her writings survived, thanks to the Smelik family who preserved her diaries. Published in 1981 as “Het verstoorde leven – Dagboek van Etty Hillesum” (“An Interrupted Life”), her work gained international acclaim, resonating with readers for its candid and profound reflections on humanity and spirituality.

Pope Benedict XVI, in his final days as pope, recognized Etty’s spiritual journey, highlighting her discovery of inner peace and communion with God amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Her legacy continues to inspire, embodying the essence of her Human Design: a Manifesting Generator who responded to life’s challenges with grace, insight, and an unwavering belief in the goodness within humanity.

Human Design Channels and Incarnation Cross

Etty possessed the channels “35-36” and “3-60” within her Human Design chart. The “35-36” channel is known as the Channel of Transitoriness, representing a dynamic flow of emotional experiences and the ability to navigate life’s changes, often seen in her writings as she documented the ebb and flow of her emotions. The “3-60” channel, or the Channel of Mutation, signifies a transformative energy, which Etty exemplified through her capacity to find meaning and growth in adversity.

Her Incarnation Cross, the Left Angle Cross of Obscuration (61/62 | 50/3), suggests a life theme of bringing clarity to confusion and finding order amidst chaos—an apt description of her life and writings during one of history’s most turbulent periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Etty Hillesum’s Human Design Type?

Etty Hillesum was a Manifesting Generator, a type known for its dynamic energy and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

How did Etty Hillesum’s Human Design influence her life?

Her Human Design provided insight into her strengths, such as her emotional depth and ability to respond to life’s challenges, which were evident in her prolific writing and personal growth during difficult times.

What was Etty’s Human Design Inner Authority?

Etty’s Inner Authority was Emotional, meaning she often made decisions based on her feelings over time, allowing her to navigate complex emotional landscapes with awareness and insight.

How did Etty Hillesum’s Human Design Profile manifest in her life?

Her 5/1 Profile indicates a natural curiosity and problem-solving ability, which she expressed through her intellectual pursuits and her insightful diaries that sought to understand and make sense of her experiences.