Etty Hillesum. Paradigm of spiritual experience in postmodernity

Abstract

Etty Hillesum appears as paradigm of postmodern identity (fragmentation of subjectivity, lack
of references in the great stories, high degree of emotion, apparent lack of rules in the field of morality,
apparent disappearance of feelings of guilt and search of emotional and sexual explorations). Our hypothesis
is to consider that, beyond the development of different aspects of her identity, there is a foundation, an
anchor, a point that is constant and that is the basis for the subsequent development of her identity. In
this framework, we define the concept of mystical identity as a process of development that is taking
shape, maintaining invariance in the course of overcoming maturational and developmental stages of the
individual personality. This anchoring allows evolution of different aspects of the identity of Etty Hillesum
we have explored: Intimate relationship (Spier), Jewish tradition, Christian influence, emotional or
psychological development.