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The Soul of a Lion: The Life of Dietrich von Hildebrand
Dietrich von Hildebrand, widely regarded as one of the great Catholic philosophers of the 20th century, is well-known for his numerous books, but, until this present work, not much has been known of his remarkable and inspiring life. Written by his wife, Alice, also a highly respected Catholic thinker, this is a fascinating, moving and, at times, gripping account of a truly great man of the Church who suffered much for the faith. Based on a very long "letter" Dietrich wrote to his wife late in his life, it tells his story from his glorious youth with a unique intellectual and cultural formation, his conversion to Catholicism, his great passion for truth and beauty, his extensive writing on Christian philosophy and theology, and his steadfast, determined opposition to Nazism that made him a marked man who miraculously escaped execution. A powerful biography of a relentless fighter against injustice, a devoted son of the Church, a man who had the "soul of a lion". Illustrated. "A man whose life and work have left an indelible mark on the history of the Church in the 20th century. Alice von Hildebrand has done a great service in giving us this fascinating portrait of his extraordinary and inspiring life."
—Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
—Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
322 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
9 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Alice von Hildebrand
34 books164 followersAlice von Hildebrand DCSG (born Alice Jourdain; 11 March 1923 in Brussels, Belgium) was a Catholic philosopher, theologian, and professor.
She came to the U.S. in 1940 and began teaching at Hunter College in New York City in 1947. She earned a doctorate from Fordham University in 1949. In 1959 she married the philosopher and theologian Dietrich von Hildebrand (1889–1977). She retired in 1984.
Alice von Hildebrand lived in the United States and was a lecturer and author whose works include: The Privilege of Being a Woman (2002) and The Soul of a Lion: The Life of Dietrich von Hildebrand (2000), a biography of her husband. In 2014, she published her autobiography, Memoirs of a Happy Failure, about her escape from Nazi Europe and her teaching career at Hunter College.
She came to the U.S. in 1940 and began teaching at Hunter College in New York City in 1947. She earned a doctorate from Fordham University in 1949. In 1959 she married the philosopher and theologian Dietrich von Hildebrand (1889–1977). She retired in 1984.
Alice von Hildebrand lived in the United States and was a lecturer and author whose works include: The Privilege of Being a Woman (2002) and The Soul of a Lion: The Life of Dietrich von Hildebrand (2000), a biography of her husband. In 2014, she published her autobiography, Memoirs of a Happy Failure, about her escape from Nazi Europe and her teaching career at Hunter College.
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April 7, 2017This was a good chance find, a book I'd never heard about, reminiscent of a Padre Pio biography I read last year in prosaic simplicity and clear, compulsively readable style from a source directly linked to the topic.
When one is increasingly overwhelmed with the passion and sacred mysteries of Christ, one can become so filled with the Holy Spirit that the most sturdy locks of the most hidden ideological doors come bursting from their handles.
Of the unlimited things to keep in mind concerning vocation in the priesthood, it is that you are neither the first nor the last young man ready to become the next Saint _______. No one here is discouraging saintliness. However, it is vital to have a passion or interest(s) outside of religion. Sports, birding, model trains; anything will do.
Well, I am neither a priest nor interested in many things diverting from academic pursuits and lay-autodidacticism at this point in my life; thus, when a breezy, intelligent book comes my way it is much appreciated. This is good light reading and has also moved some of Hildebrand's books toward the top of the unknown cloud, or, my theological reading list.
When one is increasingly overwhelmed with the passion and sacred mysteries of Christ, one can become so filled with the Holy Spirit that the most sturdy locks of the most hidden ideological doors come bursting from their handles.
Of the unlimited things to keep in mind concerning vocation in the priesthood, it is that you are neither the first nor the last young man ready to become the next Saint _______. No one here is discouraging saintliness. However, it is vital to have a passion or interest(s) outside of religion. Sports, birding, model trains; anything will do.
Well, I am neither a priest nor interested in many things diverting from academic pursuits and lay-autodidacticism at this point in my life; thus, when a breezy, intelligent book comes my way it is much appreciated. This is good light reading and has also moved some of Hildebrand's books toward the top of the unknown cloud, or, my theological reading list.
July 15, 2012
For me this was completely unexpected and a complete joy. I read it in two days, which is fast for me. I had never heard of von Hildebrand before (shame on me). And even so this biography grabbed me. What a brave and courageous man. When people speak of the best of the Catholic Church they are speaking of Dietrich Von Hidebrand. Anyone who wants to be moved, inspired should read this.
August 24, 2019
It's only fitting that I would finish this book on the anniversary of the Nazi-Soviet pact: von Hildebrand was one of the few people in Europe who saw that the relationship between those two ideologies is not one of being diametrically opposed but rather of being close kin. To join the one out of fear of the other was an error von Hildebrand called out vociferously, making him very unpopular with both.
I was reading this alongside von Hildebrand's Transformation in Christ. One might read that book and accuse the author of living a plush life, what with all of the love thy enemies stuff, but von Hildebrand wrote that while the Nazis were actively seeking his life. He becomes a penniless refugee, probably made all the more difficult by comparison with the affluent world he grew up in, and yet he persevered not only physically, but far more importantly he persevered spiritually.
The book itself, written by his second wife (the first having passed away after over four decades of marriage), has a hagiographic feel to it, but I don't see that as a drawback. The man very likely is a saint, so there shouldn't be much of a surprise that his story reads like one. A better criticism is in the balance of the work. The chapter covering his university years is far longer and more detailed than his years publishing and speaking against the Nazi regime. Granted, von Hildebrand himself seems to have written a book on that subject and this book might just be a supplement to the former work, but I don't own that book, so that was a bit of a letdown. I would also have liked to read more about his philosophy, especially given how impressive Transformation in Christ has proven itself. Nevertheless, this was an engaging and informative read, and I would pair it with Metexas' biography of the other famous anti-Nazi theologian named Dietrich, Mr. Bonhoeffer. Many, many similarities in their lives. It is a shame they never seemed to have met. They both traveled among the top of German society, both were sons of world famous elites (one a psychologist, the other a sculptor), both had a found appreciation of music and high culture but without letting such love become a mere marker of rank (aristocrats rather than oligarchs), neither grew up in particularly religious families, both studied under the leading intellectuals of the day (men like Karl Barth and Max Scheler and Husserl), both were deeply pained by the mass apostasy their church experienced as professed Christians collaborated, tolerated, and often actively supported an evil ideology completely opposed to the doctrines of Christ, and both chose to fight that evil specifically due to their love of God.
God have mercy on both of them and may they pray for us.
I was reading this alongside von Hildebrand's Transformation in Christ. One might read that book and accuse the author of living a plush life, what with all of the love thy enemies stuff, but von Hildebrand wrote that while the Nazis were actively seeking his life. He becomes a penniless refugee, probably made all the more difficult by comparison with the affluent world he grew up in, and yet he persevered not only physically, but far more importantly he persevered spiritually.
The book itself, written by his second wife (the first having passed away after over four decades of marriage), has a hagiographic feel to it, but I don't see that as a drawback. The man very likely is a saint, so there shouldn't be much of a surprise that his story reads like one. A better criticism is in the balance of the work. The chapter covering his university years is far longer and more detailed than his years publishing and speaking against the Nazi regime. Granted, von Hildebrand himself seems to have written a book on that subject and this book might just be a supplement to the former work, but I don't own that book, so that was a bit of a letdown. I would also have liked to read more about his philosophy, especially given how impressive Transformation in Christ has proven itself. Nevertheless, this was an engaging and informative read, and I would pair it with Metexas' biography of the other famous anti-Nazi theologian named Dietrich, Mr. Bonhoeffer. Many, many similarities in their lives. It is a shame they never seemed to have met. They both traveled among the top of German society, both were sons of world famous elites (one a psychologist, the other a sculptor), both had a found appreciation of music and high culture but without letting such love become a mere marker of rank (aristocrats rather than oligarchs), neither grew up in particularly religious families, both studied under the leading intellectuals of the day (men like Karl Barth and Max Scheler and Husserl), both were deeply pained by the mass apostasy their church experienced as professed Christians collaborated, tolerated, and often actively supported an evil ideology completely opposed to the doctrines of Christ, and both chose to fight that evil specifically due to their love of God.
God have mercy on both of them and may they pray for us.
August 22, 2020
Named “the most dangerous enemy of National Socialism” (Nazi’s) and an ardent opponent of the the racism, atheism, materialism and totalitarianism of both the Nazi and communist parties during WWII, Dietrich von Hildebrand truly had the soul of a lion. This was one of the best books I have ever read and a great discussion at our family book club.
June 7, 2013
I like the style of Alice von Hildebrand's writing. She writes with a passionate Catholic conviction. That style appealed me in the first book that I read of her (Man And Woman: A Divine Invention). And for that reason I bought this book knowing nothing of Dietrich von Hildebrand, her husband.
Now that I have completed reading the book I can make few remarks:
Alice was a loving wife who loved her husband much and that is evident in her book and Alice's intention was also to present a Catholic philosopher and the work of God's grace in his life. The Catholic conviction with which she writes speaks of her faith and that helps the reader.
About Dietrich von Hildebrand: He was born in a Protestant family in Germany and he later found the Catholic Church through the ethical discussion. Later he became a Catholic and produced monumental works expounding Catholic understanding of virtues. He was a Catholic ethical philosopher. Later when Nazism took hold in Germany he saw it as anti-Christian/anti-Catholic and opposed it vehemently with his writings and lectures and that earned him the title, 'number one enemy of Nazism'. He was a target to be assassinated. He had to escape Germany and the war torn Europe to stay alive. His escapade to USA in 1940 is the culmination. The biography ends here. It does not speak of his life in USA and his death. But then Alice keeps you moving over each page with eagerness and attention.
I will have to get hold of the other books of Alice von Hildebrand.
Now that I have completed reading the book I can make few remarks:
Alice was a loving wife who loved her husband much and that is evident in her book and Alice's intention was also to present a Catholic philosopher and the work of God's grace in his life. The Catholic conviction with which she writes speaks of her faith and that helps the reader.
About Dietrich von Hildebrand: He was born in a Protestant family in Germany and he later found the Catholic Church through the ethical discussion. Later he became a Catholic and produced monumental works expounding Catholic understanding of virtues. He was a Catholic ethical philosopher. Later when Nazism took hold in Germany he saw it as anti-Christian/anti-Catholic and opposed it vehemently with his writings and lectures and that earned him the title, 'number one enemy of Nazism'. He was a target to be assassinated. He had to escape Germany and the war torn Europe to stay alive. His escapade to USA in 1940 is the culmination. The biography ends here. It does not speak of his life in USA and his death. But then Alice keeps you moving over each page with eagerness and attention.
I will have to get hold of the other books of Alice von Hildebrand.
May 4, 2008
Excellent! I want to review this for my blog, okie-booklady, when I get some time. My only complaint was that it ended too early in his life! Rod is reading it now and can't believe he wasn't shot by the Nazis--or sent to a death camp. God obviously had a plan for his life because he certainly did everything he could to oppose the National Socialist Party's rise to power.
WARNING: SPOILER INFORMATION!
(Thanks to Morning Star's careful reading of my original review, I have amended it! Von Hildebrand was never shot--but it's truly a miracle that he wasn't as he was a top political enemy of the Nazis. He was marked for execution had he not escaped Germany in time.)
WARNING: SPOILER INFORMATION!
(Thanks to Morning Star's careful reading of my original review, I have amended it! Von Hildebrand was never shot--but it's truly a miracle that he wasn't as he was a top political enemy of the Nazis. He was marked for execution had he not escaped Germany in time.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2024
This biography of Dietrich von Hildbrand, penned by his second wife Alice, is largely based off his previously published memoirs (that I also recently read), though significant portions go beyond what Dietrich wrote in the other book. It includes more detail about his upbringing in Italy, his education in Germany, and his harrowing escape to the United States. More details about his first wife and child were also provided -- I don't recall the memoir even mentioning his son Franzi. As Alice von Hildebrand (whom he married in the US after his first wife Gretchen died) was, like her husband, a very serious philosopher and a committed Roman Catholic. As such, she writes with an understanding of her husband's philosophical and religious thought. She writes quite well, though she often would express herself in ebulliant hagiography. That's to be forgiven given that her subject was her own husband, whom she obviously loved.
The book is important not only for the story it tells of an influential 20th century thinker, but also because of the lessons we can learn from Dietrich's stand against Nazism. He was one of the first in Europe (indeed, in Germany) who saw the evils of National Socialism and Hitler. Early on, he was blacklisted by the Nazis and was described to Hitler as one of their worst critics. As such, he was in constant fear for his life. He spent most of his life in exile, first in Austria, and ultimately to the United States where he spent the second half of his life teaching at Fordham University in New York.
For anyone interested in the history of 20th century philosophy or Roman Catholicism, or interested in resistance to Hitler, this book is quite helpful. It was also enjoyable to read.
The book is important not only for the story it tells of an influential 20th century thinker, but also because of the lessons we can learn from Dietrich's stand against Nazism. He was one of the first in Europe (indeed, in Germany) who saw the evils of National Socialism and Hitler. Early on, he was blacklisted by the Nazis and was described to Hitler as one of their worst critics. As such, he was in constant fear for his life. He spent most of his life in exile, first in Austria, and ultimately to the United States where he spent the second half of his life teaching at Fordham University in New York.
For anyone interested in the history of 20th century philosophy or Roman Catholicism, or interested in resistance to Hitler, this book is quite helpful. It was also enjoyable to read.
March 4, 2024
Well written account of DVH's life, and a strong testament to the imperatives of faith, courage and conviction in the face of fear.
Despite the merits of this book, I never really felt that I would fit anywhere in this man's life if I had had the opportunity to meet him. I don't think we would "get" each other.
His upbringing as a wealthy aristocrat allowed him so many privileges that most of us common folk do not enjoy. I feel his rise to fame as a great philosopher of his time was highly influenced by the fact that he came from money. 'Who he was' had a lot of influence on who would lend their ear (Vatican officials, heads of state, princes, chancellors etc) to his plight and flight. I was saddened to read the following take on his experience in the slums as he was waiting to find a way out of Europe. "The house, if it can be called that, was situated in a street that was clearly inhabited by the unreliable stratum of the population." It then goes on to say the contrast between this dwelling and the castle he grew up in was "tragicomic". No kidding. But millions, billions of members of this "unreliable stratum" live in such dire conditions.
On a positive note, his commitment to his Catholic faith was inspiring and encouraging and I do believe he would have given his life for it if it came to that. But while I know the Lord's hand was guiding this man and his family to safety, being an aristocrat and having rich friends sure didn't hurt.
There were many who didn't....
Despite the merits of this book, I never really felt that I would fit anywhere in this man's life if I had had the opportunity to meet him. I don't think we would "get" each other.
His upbringing as a wealthy aristocrat allowed him so many privileges that most of us common folk do not enjoy. I feel his rise to fame as a great philosopher of his time was highly influenced by the fact that he came from money. 'Who he was' had a lot of influence on who would lend their ear (Vatican officials, heads of state, princes, chancellors etc) to his plight and flight. I was saddened to read the following take on his experience in the slums as he was waiting to find a way out of Europe. "The house, if it can be called that, was situated in a street that was clearly inhabited by the unreliable stratum of the population." It then goes on to say the contrast between this dwelling and the castle he grew up in was "tragicomic". No kidding. But millions, billions of members of this "unreliable stratum" live in such dire conditions.
On a positive note, his commitment to his Catholic faith was inspiring and encouraging and I do believe he would have given his life for it if it came to that. But while I know the Lord's hand was guiding this man and his family to safety, being an aristocrat and having rich friends sure didn't hurt.
There were many who didn't....
August 2, 2022
If Dietrich von Hildebrand’s books illuminate the scope and originality of his mind, this biography written by his (now late) second wife, Alice, demonstrates the depth of his personality and specifically his moral courage in the face of adversity. Soul of a Lion paints a picture of a man deeply sensitive to values from an early age who was never afraid to stand alone against the crowd in order to defend Truth. Special attention is paid to his significant relationships with his friends and colleagues (especially the wayward Max Scheler, the dutiful Adolf Reinach, and the wise but awkward Edmund Husserl) as well as a plethora of smaller characters who, through God’s Grace, came to play important roles in Dietrich’s trials and tribulations of escaping a Europe being rapidly swallowed but the horrific evil of Nazism. Overall, the book lends an acute glance into the life of one of the most underrated thinkers of the 20th century and the life that directly influenced his philosophy. (Also, the book My Battle Against Hitler is an excellent companion piece to this text as it gives context to his intellectual struggle against National Socialism in his own words as well as some of his actual attacks on that abhorrent ideology).
January 24, 2022
Not only is this book a gem for Catholics to read about the life of such a warrior for Christ, but its an eye opener to see such a resemblance to our society today and of the Nazi's!
- Some people who were comfortable called those who were sounding the alarm against the Nazi's "pessimists" and so on.
- Some people (Bishops! A Cardinal! Priests!) became stupidly infatuated with Nazism and began to justify Nazism and falsely claim its "Christian points".
- The few who spoke the truth encountered huge obstacles and were faced with debilitating disappointments with their own country, their own close friends and those who they expected to be against Nazism but who turned out to be pro Nazi / pro Hitler.
- The "community over the individual" mentality (sound familiar?)
This book is an excellent reminder to us Catholics who are fighting against Communism today in our own society and who may feel like they are totally alone. We are never alone when we fight on God's side; the side of truth!
- Some people who were comfortable called those who were sounding the alarm against the Nazi's "pessimists" and so on.
- Some people (Bishops! A Cardinal! Priests!) became stupidly infatuated with Nazism and began to justify Nazism and falsely claim its "Christian points".
- The few who spoke the truth encountered huge obstacles and were faced with debilitating disappointments with their own country, their own close friends and those who they expected to be against Nazism but who turned out to be pro Nazi / pro Hitler.
- The "community over the individual" mentality (sound familiar?)
This book is an excellent reminder to us Catholics who are fighting against Communism today in our own society and who may feel like they are totally alone. We are never alone when we fight on God's side; the side of truth!
October 6, 2025
Von Hildabrand couldn't be merely classified as a thinker: The word in English too much leans on analysis and abstraction. Philosopher, though, he was, and an excellent one--he loved beauty, truth, and wisdom, and matched passion with perspicacity. His thought is some of the most profound, and poignant, of the 20th century, and the interplay of his relationships--both vertical and horizontal--with his thinking is a meditation in how a life, well-lived, is as much a work of thought and reason as literary work or academic accomplishment.
The biography, written by his wife with reference to his papers and letters, is a lively narrative, and its synthesizes the narrative with concurrent development of Von Hildabrand's thought neatly.
The biography, written by his wife with reference to his papers and letters, is a lively narrative, and its synthesizes the narrative with concurrent development of Von Hildabrand's thought neatly.
March 26, 2020
Dietrich was known for his strong Catholic faith. His wife who wrote this is also known for her faith. Dietrich lived during the Hitler days. He was high on the list of most wanted by the Nazis. His son was also high on their list. Dietrich was from a wealthy family. The story of his wealthy upbringing, living through the Nazi occupation of his Germany that he had to flee from, living at a much altered living standard. Reading a first hand account of the troubling times, was very educating. While I did find parts to be uninteresting, overall it was a very good book.
January 15, 2022
Me encantó, por cómo está escrito y por la personalidad que describe. Verdaderamente un gigante y un alma de león, buscador de la verdad y no de lo fácil, de quien aprender mucho, de quien recuperar y leer sus escritos...
June 5, 2018
A little slow moving, but a touching story.
November 6, 2022
Gained a greater appreciation and awe for this Catholic philosopher. Amazing book.
October 27, 2022
From the heart of an artistic home and loving family living peacefully in a golden villa in Italy to the cold, frightening years in war-torn Germany, this book chronicles the noble life of Dietrich Von Hildebrand, the man who was once the number one enemy of Hitler. Dietrich's indomitable dedication to Truth often got him in trouble. Although his parents did not raise their children in the Church, Dietrich from a young age had a keen sense of morality, which sometimes clashed with his parents' worldview. Strangely, it was through his friendship with a lapsed Catholic given to debauchery that Dietrich was led to the beauty and goodness of the Catholic Church. His faith, and his love for his wife and son, would sustain them through many narrow escapes and extreme trials through WWII. The journey of this strong-hearted man (with tendencies to be disorganized, and, at times, too trusting), parallels the path many are facing today in a world as uncertain as his. His perseverance in spite of fear, faith in the midst of troubles, and deep love for God and others are inspirational in times like these.
November 23, 2013
Joseph Ratzinger writes in the forward, "I am personally convinced that, when, some time in the future, the intellectual history of the Catholic Church in the twentieth century is written, the name of Dietrich Von Hildebrand will be most prominent among the figures of our time."
This biography by his wife is a moving account of this great thinker and heroic fighter against Nazism. The book is both the beautiful and captivating story of a man's life and a moving testimony to Providence. While I have never read works by Dietrich von Hildebrand, I am inspired by his life and courage. Alice von Hildebrand writes this account with the love and admiration that can only come from a spouse.
Wonderful read!
This biography by his wife is a moving account of this great thinker and heroic fighter against Nazism. The book is both the beautiful and captivating story of a man's life and a moving testimony to Providence. While I have never read works by Dietrich von Hildebrand, I am inspired by his life and courage. Alice von Hildebrand writes this account with the love and admiration that can only come from a spouse.
Wonderful read!
November 17, 2009
If you are at all interesting in anti-Nazi figures, read this book. Hildebrand was a philosophy professor who risked his life to speak out against Nazism. This book covers his early life up through his escape from Europe and exile to the United States. Fascinating.
March 26, 2015
Very intriguing life. He has a brilliant mind and was a gift to the Church. Highly recommend this book.
January 21, 2016
I thank God and my wife for giving such a wonderful book. An amazing man, who despite all the troubles he had, he maintained his peace in God, who never failed him.
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