Decisive Moments in History - Stefan Zweig

Through 14 historical sketches, you'll understand the contributions of great figures in shaping history. Whether they succeeded or not, their stories are so vivid and thought-provoking.

By touching the soul of history, this book will change the way you view the past and help you experience the intense emotions of the author's time.

Stefan Zweig was an Austrian writer, playwright, journalist, and biographer, born in 1881 and known for his highly emotional and psychological works. He was one of the most popular writers in the world during the 1920s and 1930s, producing novels, short stories, essays, and biographies. Zweig’s works often explored themes of human passion, anxiety, and the impact of historical events on individuals.

Transcript

Today, I want to talk about one of those books that has had a profound impact on me—*Decisive Moments in History*. I first read this book when I was fairly young. Some people say it’s not a book for girls, but that’s not true. This book deeply moved me—it influenced my views on love, how I approach the world, and how I make friends. There’s one line in the book that struck me profoundly: 0:07

*When the moment to change your fate arrives, don’t hesitate—hesitation leads to defeat.* Let's talk about what *Decisive Moments in History* is really about. The book was written by Stefan Zweig, a great biographer, and it contains fourteen stories. These stories are about fourteen geniuses whose decisions changed human civilization in a single moment. When reading this book, you might find yourself reflecting on your own life, wondering if a seemingly insignificant action you took in the past has influenced the rest of your life. Or you might think about whether you've personally witnessed or experienced a great turning point in the era you live in. Indeed, in this book, these fourteen individuals made seemingly small decisions that not only shaped their own lives but also, like the butterfly effect, had a far-reaching impact on humanity as a whole. It's like the idea of a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon rainforest, causing a hurricane in New York. Those small actions triggered a storm that altered the fate of all mankind.  It's astonishing to realize that ordinary people can play such a pivotal role in history. So, while this book covers grand historical moments, Zweig's writing is brilliantly nuanced, revealing a series of small thoughts, details, and turning points. This is where Zweig's greatness and intentionality lie—connecting monumental moments with seemingly insignificant individuals. History’s authors infuse it with warmth, so those people are no longer just names from the past, distant figures from hundreds or thousands of years ago, reduced to mere facts. They are full of life, rushing towards us with their stories, allowing us to see their humanity. They help us understand their joys and sorrows, the cheers they received at the height of their power, and the indifference they faced when they fell into despair. Reading history with this sense of warmth and closeness can lead to a different kind of insight, making you a person with deeper feelings. No matter who you are—whether you're a prominent figure or an ordinary person, born in a big city or living in a small town—there will be decisive moments in your life. This book, *Decisive Moments in History*, captures 14 such moments. Stefan Zweig, the author, points out that it takes millions of people to produce a single genius, and millions of seemingly insignificant hours to create a truly historic moment. These are the moments when humanity's brilliance shines the brightest. After reading this book, you’ll realize that it is precisely because of these moments that the world has become what we know today. You’ll also discover that everyone’s life is shaped by seemingly random choices, choices that could ultimately determine your destiny. As Zweig says in the book, "A true hero is not someone who has never felt fear. The key lies in how one acts at the decisive moment." Courage is rare, and maintaining kindness and justice is challenging. Yet it is in those critical moments, when someone chooses to act with courage rather than fear, that humanity makes progress. To be honest, reading books may not change your fate, but when you face important choices, these books can offer you inspiration.  No matter what era we live in, courage, perseverance, and nobility remain inspiring virtues. They can elevate a person’s perspective and broaden their horizons to a greater, more expansive world. For everyone, these are precious and rare qualities. That’s why I strongly recommend this book to you. Let's first talk about the author, Stefan Zweig. Many people are introduced to him through his novella *Letter from an Unknown Woman*. It's a brilliant piece of writing, where the unnamed and faceless woman from beginning to end leaves a lasting impact on everyone who reads the novel, watches the movie adaptation, or sees the play. She’s unforgettable in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. Zweig was an incredible writer and remains one of the most popular and widely translated biographers in the world. He was born into a Jewish family in Vienna, the world’s capital of music. Coming from a wealthy family, Zweig published his first poem in a magazine at the age of 17, and from there, his career took off as he continued to publish works at a remarkable pace. As a young man, Zweig was full of optimism, believing that the world was destined to become a better place. From his twenties onward, he sought out and befriended people of extraordinary talent and background. He counted among his friends figures like Auguste Rodin, Maxim Gorky, Rainer Maria Rilke, and André Gide. He corresponded and conversed with Albert Einstein and maintained a lifelong friendship with Romain Rolland. He also had a close relationship with Sigmund Freud, who was 25 years older. Despite the age difference, they were close friends. Zweig learned the methods of psychoanalysis from Freud and applied them to his biographies. Freud, as a critical reader, would offer unflinching feedback on Zweig’s work. His ability to connect with and learn from some of the greatest minds of his time, combined with his own extraordinary insight and creativity, made him a truly remarkable figure. But reality shattered Zweig’s hopes. He lived through two world wars—World War I in 1914 and World War II in 1939—both of which occurred during the most crucial, golden years of his life. It was an era of great upheaval, where individuals found it difficult to control their own destinies. Europeans at the time were widely affected by the negative consequences of these changes, such as shortages of essential goods, mental strain, and a pervasive fear of the future. When World War I broke out, Zweig buried himself in his writing. Sometimes, people use their craft or hobbies to shield themselves from the external world and maintain inner peace. However, the fragile calm he had managed to create was completely shattered with the outbreak of World War II. By 1938, when Germany annexed Austria, Jews were instantly plunged into a living hell. At that time, Zweig was fortunate enough to have escaped the country, but he became an exile, with his friends, family, and homeland all falling under the Nazi regime’s control. Zweig later recalled those days as the most terrifying of his life. He knew that daily, his closest friends were being illegally dragged away, tortured, and humiliated. He lived in constant fear for the people he loved, yet was utterly powerless to help them. Zweig had once believed that writers could influence the public and the world through their work. But as an exile, he watched helplessly as European nations were repeatedly dragged into the abyss of war.

During this period, Zweig's works became increasingly complex, profound, and influential. However, at the same time, he struggled to maintain his own inner balance. In 1942, Zweig wrote his autobiography, *he World of Yesterday: 7:21

Memories of a European*. After completing the manuscript, he carefully packaged it and sent it off. The next day, he and his wife both took their own lives by poisoning themselves. Today, when we open *Decisive Moments in History*, we might think we're simply reading about history, but the purpose of understanding history isn't just to comprehend the past—it's to grasp our future. None of us are mere bystanders to history. History is made by people, and we are its witnesses. Each of us is a potential star, capable of shining brightly within the context of our time. Zweig despised all forms of war, believing that conflicts between people are often driven by politics, which rises and falls, frequently leading to division, hatred, and fear. In contrast, he believed that culture is about progress, mutual understanding, and appreciation. Zweig had a deep hope that culture could influence young people—encouraging them to travel, to love others, and to understand different countries and cultures. So let's begin with this book, *Decisive Moments in History*. Let's carefully examine what determines the course of history when those great moments of destiny arrive, and how these moments continue to shape our world today.

How did Zweig view history? He believed that history is the greatest poet and actor, but it is not a constant creator. Sometimes, history takes a break, like a lightning rod gathering all the energy of a storm until it suddenly releases it in a burst. A large number of events often explode within a short period, and these dramatic peak moments determine the fate of individuals, the survival of nations, and even the destiny of all humankind. The first chapter of this book is titled "Conqueror of the Unconquerable," and the moment of immortality worth recording is about what? A well-prepared ship. The uniqueness of this book begins to emerge right here, summed up in a single idea: 8:57

even the failures deserve to be remembered.

The story starts with the return of Columbus from his first voyage. In the crowded streets of Seville and Barcelona, the triumphant procession displayed countless rare treasures: 9:42

indigenous people never before seen, animals unfamiliar to Europe, exotic plants and fruits, and Indian rice, tobacco, and coconuts. These wonders astonished and intrigued the jubilant crowds, but Zweig doesn’t focus on Columbus; instead, he chooses someone less familiar to us—Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the man who discovered the Pacific Ocean. But all of this is connected to Columbus. His return ignited the spirit of adventure in that era, inspiring more people to venture out with their ambitions, eager to discover new lands.

Columbus roused his followers and the newly ambitious adventurers by boldly boasting: 10:27

"The gold I brought back is just a mere sample." He even spread reliable rumors that the islands he had discovered held countless gold mines, with precious metals lying just beneath the surface, sometimes even exposed on the ground. All you needed was a simple shovel, and you could easily dig up gold. And the further south you went, the richer it became, where kings drank from golden cups, and gold was cheaper than lead in Spain. However, the reality was far different from Columbus’s descriptions. Those who acted on his words and set foot on these new islands were met with pain and disappointment. They plundered and exploited the poor natives repeatedly but gathered only a pitiful amount of gold. Who were these ambitious adventurers? Noble knights and pirates, crossing the seas not to farm or raise livestock—they had no interest in sowing or harvesting. They only wanted to strike it rich overnight. But the harsh reality was that many of them ended up deeply in debt, failing to acquire the wealth they had hoped for. In this chapter, our protagonist, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, was one of those deeply indebted individuals desperate to escape his situation. A turning point came in 1510 when a man named Enciso decided to use his remaining assets to outfit a ship and set sail in search of more wealth and opportunities. Those stranded on the island, burdened by debt, were eager to join the expedition, desperate to leave the island. However, the creditors were vigilant and wouldn’t allow them to escape, so most people had no choice but to stay behind. But Balboa took an unconventional path. He hid inside a barrel and managed to sneak away. Zweig provides a sharp assessment of him in the book, saying that this was the first time Balboa demonstrated his exceptional bravery and cunning. Indeed, Balboa was a crafty opportunist with little regard for honesty. When Enciso discovered him, he was furious and threatened to abandon Balboa on the next island they encountered, regardless of whether it was inhabited. It’s as if history chose Balboa, for the ship continued on its journey, and just as it was about to reach its destination, Enciso’s vessel encountered another ship. In hindsight, this meeting seems like an incredible coincidence, almost a miracle, as this part of the sea was largely uncharted. And who was the leader of the other ship? None other than Francisco Pizarro, who would later become famous worldwide. This unexpected encounter between Balboa and Pizarro in the sea set the stage for events that would change the course of history.

At this point, Pizarro delivered some bad news: 13:07

the island that Enciso was planning to go to no longer existed—they had just escaped from it. Everyone was stunned, unsure of what to do next. It was at this moment that our new key historical figure, Balboa, stepped forward.

Still just an untrustworthy figure, Balboa offered crucial information: 13:27

he knew of a place called Acla, located by a river rich in gold, where the indigenous people were friendly. Balboa suggested that instead of returning to their original course, they should head there and establish a new colony. The adventurers and opportunists quickly agreed, and they sailed to a place that would become known as Darien, in what is now Panama. There, they first slaughtered the indigenous people and then discovered gold. But what about the Pacific Ocean? Why did they stop in Darien? History, as it often does, took a dramatic turn here. The settlers were beginning to believe that their troubles were behind them, but Balboa launched a coup, he overthrew Enciso, something the latter had never anticipated. Enciso was forced into exile, and the ship was left without a legitimate leader. When the king, who was thousands of miles away, heard of the situation, he sent a new governor. However, by that time, Balboa had already established his own rule and refused to let the new governor even set foot on land, Signal an open rebellion against the king. Was Balboa not afraid of being crushed by the king’s forces? Of course not. But to this adventurer, Spain was a distant place, giving him plenty of time to achieve his goal. And what was that goal? Success.  In Balboa’s mind, success could wash away all his sins. If he could use that time to gather enough resources and gold to offer to the king, he was certain he would be forgiven, for gold meant power. This kind of calculating character is often found in history. Balboa, determined to succeed, allied with Pizarro to commit atrocities against the nearby indigenous people, looting gold from them. It was then that a respected chieftain enlightened him. The chieftain said, “It’s strange how you quarrel over these worthless trinkets, these common metals, and even risk your lives for them. Just beyond that mountain range lies a great ocean, and in all the rivers flowing into it, there is gold. There is a tribe much like yours; they sail the seas in boats and their king eats and drinks from gold vessels.  There, you can find as much of this yellow metal as you want. It’s just a few days’ journey, but the path is dangerous, as the local chieftains will surely try to stop you from crossing their lands.” What an extraordinary piece of information! Balboa immediately realized that there was a vast, uncharted territory waiting to be discovered. The first person to reach that ocean, the first to claim it for his homeland, would be immortalized in history! From that moment on, Balboa was no longer just an adventurer; he became a man with grand ambitions, determined to complete what Columbus had left unfinished—discovering a new continent and claiming the land of gold. So, Balboa devised a bold plan. On one hand, he began to court favor with the Spanish crown, hoping to gain the king’s forgiveness. On the other hand, with nerves of steel and a daring heart, he decided to embark on a high-stakes gamble. Before the king could act against him, Balboa would lead his men—though not many in number—on an adventure that could change everything. The wheel of fate began to turn as Balboa set out with his small band of men toward the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, far away, the king had already condemned him, and the judge sent to deliver his sentence was on his way. This adventure was thrilling and intense, but through it, we see the complex character of Balboa a greedy and cunning, yet also brave human being. He is perhaps one of the most memorable antiheroes in history. He started as a fugitive smuggled out of the country, only to become a hero for humanity by discovering the Pacific Ocean. On September 25, 1513, humanity first learned of the last unknown oceanic expanse on Earth, the Pacific. How remarkable is it that fate can favor someone so much, touching them with a golden finger of fortune, yet still lead to a tragic end? Balboa discovered the Pacific, but he was ultimately executed as a rebel, meeting his fate on the scaffold. Balboa was executed in 1519, the same year that Magellan began his adventure of the globe. This detail is significant. If you have a map or globe at home, now would be a good time to take it out and look at it together. The discovery of America was the most crucial step in humanity's understanding of the Earth, and the discovery of the Pacific was the equally vital second step. With the exploration of the Pacific, America and Asia could finally be connected, filling in the last major blank on the world’s nautical charts. It was Magellan who ultimately proved that the Earth is round, and this historic journey began in the same year that Balboa was executed. In the book of *Decisive Moments in History*, Zweig also recounts other explorations that expanded our understanding of the Earth's territories, such as Sutter's discovery of gold in California and Scott's journey to the South Pole. These stories are equally gripping, full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. These explorers were driven by a sense of mission and faced extraordinary circumstances. Despite their differing motivations, actions, and outcomes, they all share something in common, in some sense, they are failures who have nevertheless become historical figures. In Zweig's hands, these failures are portrayed as tragic heroes, which is precisely what makes his work so remarkable. He does not judge these people or events based solely on their success or failure. Zweig was not particularly concerned with whether these individuals would be recorded in history or revered by future generations. Instead, he captured the spirit—the ambition, the impulse, and the courage—that drives humanity in its quest for discovery. History, as Zweig sees it, is a series of interconnected events. As humanity completed its understanding of the Earth and expanded its boundaries, the inevitable result was the establishment of political borders and the ensuing conflicts between nations, leading to war. Let’s talk about Napoleon and the chapter titled "Waterloo Decides Victory." It wasn’t just about Waterloo—it was about a minute that decided the fate of the world. This chapter is incredibly gripping, and it gave me chills as I read it. There’s a powerful passage in the book where Zweig describes Napoleon, the captured lion, breaking free from his cage on Elba. The news hit the Congress of Vienna like a cannonball, disrupting everything like balls, affairs, conspiracies, and arguments. Everyone held their breath, anxiously waiting to see what would happen next. No one has ever written about the famous and crucial Battle of Waterloo from the deadweight perspective like Zweig does. In his view, the decisive moment in the Battle of Waterloo, a battle that sealed Napoleon’s fate, lasted only one minute. This minute was shaped by the actions of a rather mediocre man named Grouchy, who inadvertently made history. Napoleon’s fame is immense, and in the annals of European military history, he’s almost like a god of war. So much so that his defeat has become synonymous with the term "Waterloo," now used to describe any major failure, whether in the stock market, business, or life’s crucial moments. But what exactly caused this legendary battle to end in defeat? Many Europeans refused to believe it was due to Napoleon’s own mistakes because he was a hero, and people were eager to find excuses for him. Some argued that his age played a role, and some said that having ruled France for only 100 days after his return, he was on shaky ground, making failure inevitable. But Zweig doesn’t see it that way. He prefers to believe in the role of chance and fate—that a mistake made in a single moment can transcend time and alter the course of history. So, who is to blame for this? If there’s a hero, then there must be a scapegoat, right? The man who bears the blame is Grouchy.  Who was Grouchy? If you haven’t studied military history or read this book, you might not know him. Grouchy was a rather mediocre man—honest, reliable, and diligent. He served as a cavalry captain in Napoleon’s army, and while he was often proven to be competent, he remained just a competent cavalry captain. He was a typical small figure, with no legendary achievements or significant status. The only reason we still mention Grouchy’s name today is because of his unfortunate role in this moment of history. Grouchy had been in the military for twenty years and was a seasoned veteran, having fought in campaigns from Spain to Russia, from the Netherlands to Italy. He had always been on the front lines, but he clearly didn’t have any great or remarkable achievements, which is why his promotions were slow, step by step, from cavalry captain to marshal. As Zweig puts it in the book, Grouchy didn’t have any special contributions; it was the Austrian bullets, the Egyptian sun, the Arab daggers, and the Russian winters that killed off his predecessors, making room for him. It’s like simmering a chili sauce—after twenty years of warfare, because he hadn’t perished, he finally received the highest military rank.

Napoleon, of course, didn’t think highly of Grouchy. Napoleon was a man of immense talent and sharp judgment, and he knew Grouchy wasn’t a great general. So why did he entrust Grouchy with such an important task?  The reason is simple: 22:52

there was no one else left. Let’s go back to the moment when Napoleon broke free from his captivity.

While everyone was shocked, they weren’t entirely surprised. Even when confined, Napoleon was still a formidable force, like a lion in a cage. Soon, couriers began arriving with reports: 23:14

Napoleon had taken Lyon, driven out the king, and the army was once again rallying to his side, fervently raising their flags and chanting his name. Napoleon returned to Paris and moved into the Tuileries Palace, rendering the Congress of Vienna and twenty years of devastating war futile. Napoleon was never one to be underestimated, so the leaders at the Congress of Vienna, who had been arguing endlessly over the division of European territories, finally realized that before they could divide the spoils, they had to unite against Napoleon. War was inevitable, and now it was a race against time. Napoleon had to act immediately, defeating his enemies before they could unite against him, picking them off one by one. Otherwise, he faced a precarious situation with unstable power and waning support, making ultimate victory impossible. Napoleon was fully aware of this; his enthusiasm was high, and he was eager to strike down his enemies in one swift blow. He knew that every day of delay was a loss, and every hour of hesitation was dangerous. In just two days, Napoleon launched fierce attacks on both the Belgian and British forces under the Duke of Wellington. This British duke would later become famous for defeating Napoleon, but at that time, no one dared to underestimate the emperor. As the battle approached, Napoleon meticulously planned his strategy. He clearly foresaw that to achieve victory, he had to prevent the Prussian and British armies from joining forces. He couldn’t give his enemies any time to regroup. However, Napoleon couldn’t be everywhere at once; he led his troops forward but needed someone to carry out this crucial task. But what was the situation? Half of his marshals had been killed in previous battles, and the remaining ones were war-weary and deeply fatigued by the seemingly endless conflict. So, reluctantly, Napoleon chose Grouchy, a man who was average in every way. Let’s see why.

On the night before the Battle of Waterloo, the rain poured down relentlessly, perhaps an ominous sign. Napoleon’s troops marched through the storm, their morale at a low point, feeling miserable. Reports from Grouchy’s side were vague and unconvincing, offering only unclear promises that the Prussians were still being pursued. By 5 AM, the situation began to improve—the rain stopped, and Emperor Napoleon finally gave the order: 25:24

the entire army was to be ready for a general attack by 9 AM. The moment of inspiration and morale boosting had arrived, and couriers rushed out in all directions, soon followed by the sound of drums calling the troops to assemble. The drums stirred men’s courage and blood, and it was at this point that Napoleon decided to lie down on his campaign bed for a two-hour nap. Zweig had a keen sense of timing. He describes how, at 9 AM, Napoleon reviewed the troops, who were in high spirits, but Grouchy was two hours late. By 11 AM, he still had not appeared, such a critical failure. Yet, with morale already high and the opportunity at hand, Napoleon decided to proceed with the attack. From 11 AM to 1 PM, the French army assaulted the high ground, at one point capturing villages and positions, only to be driven back again. The battle was incredibly fierce, and as they continued to fight, the open, muddy slopes covered with over 10,000 corpses. The scene was horrifying. But despite the massive losses, the ultimate victory remained elusive. Both armies were exhausted, holding on with sheer determination, and both commanders were anxious. Everyone knew that the side that received reinforcements first would win. This was the crucial moment. Where was Grouchy? If he had appeared then, Napoleon would have remained in his seat of power, achieving a decisive victory and becoming the undisputed ruler of Europe. But it’s clear that Grouchy never realized that Napoleon’s fate—and, by extension, the fate of the world—was in his hands. Grouchy was simply following orders, methodically carrying out the tasks Napoleon had assigned to him. He marched his troops without encountering any enemies. Then, as he was eating breakfast, he finally heard the sound of cannon fire—the start of the Battle of Waterloo. Grouchy’s deputy, a man named Gérard, urgently suggested that they should immediately move towards the sound of the cannons and join the battle. "We need to unite with our forces!" Gérard pleaded. But Grouchy hesitated. The emperor had not given him specific instructions at that moment, and Grouchy, being a man of little initiative, was unsure of what to do. He was a mediocre man, not one to take responsibility or make bold decisions. Gérard, increasingly anxious, made one last effort, pleading earnestly, "At least let me lead my Fourth Corps and some cavalry to the battlefield. I promise we’ll make it on time." Grouchy considered this for a moment. Zweig says he only thought about it for a single second. It was this single second that not only determined Grouchy’s own fate but also, surprisingly, the fate of Napoleon and the entire world. While Grouchy was hesitating, Napoleon’s forces were steadily losing ground, ultimately being defeated without the support they desperately needed. In Zweig’s view, how crucial was this second? If Grouchy had, in that fleeting moment, summoned the courage and decisiveness to act—disregarding whether he had explicit orders from the emperor, trusting in his own judgment, the rapidly changing battlefield conditions, the clear signals before him, and even his deputy’s firm conviction—then France could have been saved. But this indecisive man, who lacked initiative, always adhered strictly to written orders and regulations, never heeding the call of fate. Zweig describes in that crucial second, fate exacted a terrible revenge.

In everyday life, such moments of destiny are rare, but when they do unexpectedly fall upon a small, ordinary person, they often don’t know how to seize the opportunity. Whenever I see unimaginable situations and outcomes in the news, I’m reminded of Zweig’s words: 29:28

"Fate demands something extraordinary from individuals and will shape them into immortal figures." Napoleon’s defeat was a complete loss.  In human history, being first means having everything, and second means having nothing. Napoleon lost it all, yet in the grand narrative of human history, he remains a monumental figure. In Zweig’s portrayal, we see more than just the shifting political boundaries and historical realities—we see how the external world was shaped, and how human nature itself played a decisive role in the course of history.

When I revisit *Decisive Moments in History* , I am deeply moved by Zweig’s tenderness and profound insights. Time is often cruel, allowing only the victors to leave their mark, but Zweig is a recorder of time who can see the sparks of greatness even in failure and the complexities of human nature even in dazzling success. It is precisely this perspective that reminds us: 30:21

it is we who create history, not the other way around. Next, we’ll delve into the world of art, focusing on the story of a musician. Zweig’s portrayal of history is full of warmth, color, and a sense of presence, which is why we sometimes find history even more captivating than fiction. He doesn’t just focus on the great and immortal figures known for their military achievements; he also delves deeply into the lives of literary and artistic giants like Handel, Tolstoy, Goethe, and Beethoven. Zweig attempts to explore the inner worlds of these great individuals, examining the passion and intensity of their lives, which often leaves readers profoundly moved. Today, we’ll talk about Handel as depicted by Zweig.

In the 18th century, Europe saw the emergence of professional musicians in the true sense. However, these musicians did not enjoy high social status at the time. It was often difficult for them to make a living solely from their music composition and performance, so they relied on the patronage of nobility and the church. This reliance raised important questions: 31:29

if you live on someone else’s support, can you repay them? And when faced with external temptations and demands, how do you make choices? The life circumstances of a musician can reveal the strength of their independent character. Yet, an artist without a strong sense of independence is unlikely to produce great works. How do we assess the strength of an artist’s independent character? A clear signal is whether they are married or single. Why? Because marriage, to some extent, signifies conformity to societal norms and acceptance of society’s expectations. For example, Haydn and Mozart were both married, so they exhibited polite manners, dressed elegantly, and had a side that closely resembled normal life. But Handel and Beethoven, were stubborn old bachelors—single, disheveled, rebellious, and untamed. Zweig chose to write about Handel rather than Mozart, which reveals something about his personal preferences. In Handel’s story, he has an apprentice named Smith say, "To save the theater, Handel composed four operas in one year, while others were busy pleasing women and the court." This statement is telling what kind of person Handel was. Handel was a man of remarkable independence and resilience, driven by his passion for music. He was not one to conform easily to societal expectations or to seek approval from others. His life was marked by a fierce determination to follow his own path, often at great personal cost. This independence and defiance of convention were key to his greatness as a musician and composer. Through his portrayal of Handel, Zweig captures the essence of an artist who remained true to himself, even in the face of adversity. In 1685, Handel was born in Germany, the same year as another German music master, Johann Sebastian Bach. Handel’s life was fraught with challenges and temptations, yet he remained a man of unwavering determination, a quality evident even in his childhood. When Handel was young, his father believed that a career in law would lead to a respectable and secure life, offering a stable future. He strongly opposed Handel’s passion for music. However, no one could deter Handel from pursuing his musical path. Stubborn by nature, he insisted on following his love for music. As Handel’s talent began to attract attention, some patrons offered to sponsor his further studies in Italy. But Handel refused these offers; he didn’t want to be beholden to anyone or subject to their influence. Instead, he chose to fund his own education, relying entirely on himself. Later, Handel moved to England, where his operas were met with great acclaim. He decided to stay in this country that so warmly embraced his work, and this stay lasted fifty years. Many might assume that Handel’s early success would lead to a life of continued triumph, but that was far from the case. Handel’s career as a professional musician was filled with many twists and turns. Running a theater and maintaining regular performances were extremely costly endeavors. Although Handel initially enjoyed great popularity, times began to change, and the British audience’s interest in Italian-language operas gradually waned. It was as if the performances of a great tenor like Pavarotti were slowly being considered outdated by younger generations.

This shift dealt a severe blow to Handel. The theaters he had established began to fail, one after another, leaving him heavily in debt. Today, we’re familiar with the concept of "pivoting" which is what people do to adapt to changing circumstances. Handel now faced a critical choice: 35:15

should he pivot himself? This was the first significant challenge that fate presented to him—a crossroads where one path led to one kind of life, and the other to a very different outcome. Handel’s response to this challenge would shape the rest of his life and career. It was a defining moment where he had to decide whether to continue on his current path or to adapt to the changing tastes and expectations of his audience. This decision would not only determine his future success or failure but also test the strength of his character and his commitment to his art. On the afternoon of April 13, 1737, Handel’s servant opened his door and found him collapsed on the floor, his body convulsing. The servant was terrified and rushed to find help. Fortunately, through a series of fortunate circumstances, Handel’s life was narrowly saved. However, he was left with consequences. Handel had suffered a severe stroke, which left the right side of his body paralyzed. For more than four months, he lay weak and bedridden, unable to walk, play the piano with his right hand, or even speak clearly. A person in this condition could easily fall into a state of deep despair and frustration, slowly becoming numb to life. In Handel’s time, medical science was not as advanced as it is today, making full recovery from such an illness unlikely. Handel was deeply despondent, often sighing and murmuring, This was a devastating blow to Handel, who was 52 years old at the time. Before the stroke, he had been as strong as an ox. What had broken him? His apprentice, Smith, noted that the external pressures had a particularly severe impact on Handel. The immense stress had taken its toll. Smith said that it was too much anger and frustration that had broken him down—it was “they” who had tormented him to the point of collapse. And who were “they”?  Those damned singers, those vile, shameless gossip columnists, and those nitpicking critics—a bunch of detestable fools. To save the theater, Handel had composed four operas in a single year, pouring all his savings into the effort, a total of 10,000 pounds! But what did they do to him? They harassed him from all sides, pushing him to the brink. There has never been anyone as successful as Handel, nor anyone as selflessly devoted. But even a giant like him could be brought down by such relentless demands. What a remarkable man, an extraordinary genius!

In this passage, we see Handel’s stature, his contributions, and the deep respect Smith had for him. But what does it matter? We also see the harsh reality: even if you are a genius, you are still vulnerable to the brutal pressures of money, material needs, and public opinion. Most people believed Handel was finished, a ruined man. Even his primary physician, unable to bear watching Handel decline into a state of contempt, didn’t know how to help him. So the doctor suggested a possible solution: 38:06

Handel could go to the hot springs for treatment. The boiling hot spring water might help alleviate his condition. So Handel pushed himself to the hot springs. Despite the doctor’s repeated warnings that no one should stay in the springs for more than three hours due to the risk of heart failure and death, Handel insisted on spending nine hours a day in the scalding water. He was determined to make himself better. This period of intense struggle shows Handel’s incredible resilience and determination. His body may have been weakened, but his spirit was unyielding. He refused to surrender to his condition, fighting against the odds with all the strength he could muster. This unwavering willpower is a testament to Handel’s greatness, not just as a musician, but as a human being who faced extraordinary challenges and refused to be defeated by them. Sometimes, an indomitable willpower can defy the natural order and create miracles. Just a week after immersing himself in the hot springs, Handel was able to drag his weakened body and walk with difficulty. Two weeks later, his right arm began to move slowly again. When I read this part, I was deeply moved. When a person realizes their mission is not yet complete, that sense of determination can expand their life's potential infinitely. Handel firmly believed that he still had music to create, passion to express—his life could not end this way. But fortune was not kind to Handel. Not only was he struggling with his health, but war also broke out between Britain and Spain, leaving people in no mood to attend operas. The theaters fell into debt. It was winter, and London was engulfed in snow and ice. The harsh weather and the anxious, unsettled atmosphere of the time made everything seem even colder. One by one, the singers fell ill, and performances were canceled. Handel’s situation went from bad to worse. It’s in such moments of crisis that courage sets people apart. Only those who have endured great suffering can truly understand joy; only those who have faced immense trials can sense the final grace of redemption. Their duty is to demonstrate before humanity that they have experienced death and resurrection. This sentiment, full of ambition, reflects Handel’s own resurrection through the creation of *Messiah*. It was August 21, 1741, a sweltering day. Handel returned home to find a letter on his usually empty table—a square package wrapped in white paper. He opened it and found a letter on top from the poet Charles Jennens. The letter expressed hope that Handel, the great musical genius, would add music to Jennens’ latest text, elevating it to eternity. Initially, Handel was resistant to the idea, but when he read the first line of the text, he jumped up. The opening words were “Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people.” This phrase was like magic, or perhaps it was God’s answer to Handel’s struggles. He was struck deeply and immediately began composing. Handel was so engrossed in composing *Messiah* that he lost all sense of time, unable to distinguish between day and night. He was completely swept away by the flood of music pouring out of him. As the work neared its conclusion, the pace and intensity of his creative process quickened, becoming wilder and more urgent. Handel was a captive of his own creation, binding it with the sweet strains of violins, infusing it with the fiery passion of trombones, and making the organ roar like thunder. The repeated “Hallelujah" rang out—a word of gratitude that burst forth in a chorus of voices, rising from the dust and returning with a resounding echo to its creator.

Handel had just completed one of the greatest and most immortal works of all time: 42:25

*Messiah*, with its magnificent *Hallelujah Chorus*. And after finishing this monumental piece, what did Handel do? Handel was utterly exhausted after finishing *Messiah*. He needed his servant's help just to climb into bed, and then he fell into a deep, unresponsive sleep that lasted for a full seventeen hours. His servants were terrified, thinking he might have died, as they couldn’t wake him no matter how much they shook him. Just as they were about to call for a doctor, the servant suddenly shouted that Handel had awakened. And what did Handel do upon waking? He sat up and began eating with the appetite of six workmen, devouring half a ham made from a Yorkshire pig. Handel had pushed himself to his limits, completely exhausting his body and soul. But when you pour everything you have into a task, sometimes miracles happen. When *Messiah* was first performed and the *Hallelujah* chorus echoed through the theater, how did the audience react? One person suddenly stood up, and then others followed, one by one, until everyone was on their feet. They felt as if they had been seized by an overwhelming force, something so grand that they could no longer remain seated. They stood to bring themselves closer to God, even by just an inch, in an act of reverence. Word of the performance spread quickly, with people going door to door, telling everyone that this was a masterpiece, unlike anything ever heard before. They were so moved, trembling with joy, that they could hardly contain their excitement. Six days later, every night that *Messiah* was performed, the music hall was packed. In fact, to allow more people to attend, ladies were asked not to wear hoop skirts, which took up too much space, and gentlemen were asked not to carry swords. It was unprecedented. The small opera house, which normally held about 300 people, was now cramming in 700. People flocked to hear this extraordinary work, a creation that would far outlast its creator. When Handel finally passed away, he did so peacefully, knowing that his work had been worthy in the eyes of God. Even many years after his death, the music of *Messiah* continues to resonate among us, a testament to the enduring power of his genius. In 2021, on the 140th anniversary of Stefan Zweig's birth, the Austrian National Library's Literary Museum held a special exhibition titled *Zweig, Writer of the World.* During the event, someone recited Zweig's works while Handel's *Messiah* played in the background. In Zweig's final work, his autobiography *The World of Yesterday*—a book I highly recommend if you're interested—he clearly expresses his deep aversion to war. Zweig wrote, "I fear the wars where humans slaughter each other more than I fear my own death." This sentiment may have played a role in determining Zweig's ultimate fate. He was once so innocent and joyful; he witnessed key historical moments and delved deeply into them, trying to uncover the true feelings of every person involved. He worried for them, felt excited for them, was passionate for them, and even shed tears for them. But in the end, he became exhausted. Fortunately, we can still experience his work *Decisive Moments in History* and through it, we can meet Zweig once again.