Nicholas Winton and the Power of Good
May 28, 2009
In December 1938, When Winton was 29 years old, he witnessed the
plight of Czech refugees who has fled the Nazi occupation of the Sudetenland first hand. After returning home,
Winton lobbied to Home office to allow 669 Czech children to enter the country
as part of the Kinderstansport and build new lives for themselves in England.
Discussion Questions:
- In his study of rescuers, Ervin Staub states, "Goodness, like evil, often begins in small steps. Heroes evolve; they aren't born. Very often the rescuers make only a small commitment at the start-to hide someone for a day or two. But once they had taken that step, they begin to see themselves differently, as someone who helps. What starts as mere willingness becomes intense involvement." What does Staub's insight suggest about rescuers? Write a working definition of a hero?
- Why do you think Winton is reluctant to have himself called a hero? What point is he trying to make?
- Why do you think that in times of crisis, some people stand by, or actively help the perpetrators, while others get involved and try to make a positive difference?
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