Fisch Stories: Reflections on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

by Robert O. Fisch

What the main lesson from the real personal stories of a witness - of the two worse totalitarian system the importance of remaining human. ''I have been a Jew during Fascism, a bourgeois under Communism, a rebel defeated in an uprising, a refugee among the free, and a have-not amid plenty. This book contains over 60 stories that range from my youth in Hungary, the ordeal of a death march and concentration camps, the oppression of the Communist dictatorship, the promise and defeat of the Hungarian Revolution and, finally, my American years. I am a physician and an artist. Medicine is an art as, indeed, is living. Art and medicine are two consequences of the same desire - to sustain life. Six values guide my
-The value of compassion. From my Holocaust experience, MY QUESTION what could those silent, slaughtered millions would ask of us now? Hatred and revenge -- the very qualities that led to their demise? Not likely. I believe they would want us to have understanding, compassion, and love.
-The value of equal treatment. A double standard is the biggest threat to civilization.
-The value of children. Nothing is more important than the moral and intellectual education of our future generations.
-The value of humor. I take humor seriously.
-The value of suffering. Suffering has made me appreciate how precious life is. Hardship has made every minute, every slice of bread, more enjoyable and meaningful.
-The value of remaining humane even in inhumane circumstances.

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Karin Meyer]

As always, Dr. Fisch shares bits and pieces of his life through short stories sprinkled with humor. For someone who has lived through some bleak episodes, humor has become very important. As Dr. Fisch says, "I take humor very seriously."
His artwork adds to the symbolism of the stories.

I admire him for writing down the history that he's lived. It like he's my grandfather sharing stories.