On December 7, 1970, at the National Cemetery in Warsaw, Poland, West German Chancellor Willy Brandt stood solemnly before a memorial dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Nazi regime during World War II. After laying a wreath, he suddenly dropped to his knees on the cold concrete ground and bowed his head in silent tribute.
Photographers at the scene rapidly clicked their shutters, and the powerful image spread across the world. Witnessing Brandt’s sincere apology and remorse, many Europeans who had harbored resentment toward Germany began to open their hearts. The global press described the moment with these words:
“It was one man who knelt, but an entire nation that stood up.”
Sincerity has the power to reach hearts—no matter who the listener may be.