Yesterday the world lost a beautiful man, a wise soul, an angel on earth, Holocaust survivor - Eddie Jaku, OAM, aged 101.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with this beautiful, smiling, joyful face, Eddie is the self-professed 'Happiest Man on Earth’. He authored his memoirs, in his book with the same title, which was published last year to mark his 100th birthday, making him one of the world's oldest published authors. Go Eddie!
So who is ‘The Happiest Man on Earth?’
Eddie Jaku was born in Germany and under the Nazis, he was imprisoned in four concentration camps, where his parents were murdered in the gas chambers, he led a daring escape on a train, broke free from a death march and narrowly survived in a forest by eating slugs and snails. Eventually, he managed to crawl to a highway where he was rescued by American soldiers.
It was then that he decided that the best revenge would be to live and enjoy life!
He moved to Australia during the 1950s, where he dedicated his life to advocating hope, peace and kindness and teaching others about the dangers of intolerance. "I do not hate anyone. Hate is a disease which may destroy your enemy, but will also destroy you," he said.
Eddie volunteered at the Sydney Jewish Museum since its inception in 1992, sharing his story and wisdom with visitors from around the world. In 2013 he was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the Jewish community.
Eddie received a standing ovation after giving his heartbreaking and powerful TED talk in Sydney in 2019in front of 6,000 people.
"I'm doing everything I can to make this world a better place for everyone, and I implore you to do your best too,"he told the audience.
In his memoir, Eddie writes "I have lived for a century, and I know what it is to stare evil in the face".
If there is anyone who is qualified to share their words of wisdom on how to thrive after tough times, it is Eddie Jaku.
The past 19 months has been tough for everyone around the world. It has tested us all. It has made us question many things.
It's times like these when Eddie's words of wisdom are more relevant and important than ever.
Here are three, of the many, Words of Wisdom, from our friend, Eddie:
‘Hope is the fuel that powers the body’
Right now, is it critical that we focus our limited energy on the right things, the people, the things, the stories that give us a sense of hope, so that we can feel Hope-FULL vs Hope-LESS. What are you focussing your attention on?
‘Happiness does not fall from the sky. It's in your hands. If you're healthy and happy, you're a millionaire.'
Our circumstances do not define us. Eddie suffered more torture and evil in his early years than most people could imagine, and yet despite this, he choose happiness over hate. What are you measuring your happiness on?
‘Your efforts today will affect people you will never know. It is your choice whether that effect is positive or negative.'
We all have the power to make someone’s day (or not). A smiling face, a helping hand, a listening ear.
How are you showing up for the people around you? Are you choosing love and forgiveness over hate? Are you being the change you want to see in the world?
Eddie teaches us, this is our choice to make, and our choices will have everlasting impacts.
Eddie your body may have left the earth yesterday, but your love, kindness and wisdom will live on forever! You will be forever in our hearts.
Rest in peace, my friend!
With love and eternal gratitude,
P.S. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read “The Happiest Man on Earth”, do yourself a favour and get a copy. Eddie’s words of wisdom are the perfect antidote to the madness we have all been experiencing over the past year, and the perfect way to recharge and reset.
BLYTHE ROWE & Her Life on Heels.
The founder and director of Human Incite, is widely recognised for her passion, energy and her ability to shake things up. Blythe is brilliant at revving-up productivity and performance in organisations. She is on a mission to rid our workplaces of toxic behaviours, build meaningful relationships, personally and professionally and create workplaces worth belonging. Her enthusiasm simply is infectious!