Alice von Hildebrand - Memoirs of a Happy Failure

In the history of traditional Catholicism in the late 20th century, there are many unsung heroes. I know of only one who refers to herself as a happy failure. Those who know Alice von Hildebrand know she is truly happy; but she is far from a failure. She is not only the great woman behind the great manher renowned husband Dietrichshe is also a brilliant philosopher who has continued Dietrichs work and has brought generations of her students to realize the evils of moral relativism and the beauty of revealed truth. In this delightful self-effacing account of her struggles and triumphs in secular academia, her absence of failure is here for all to see. I simply loved this entertaining and inspiring little book.

Hon. Andrew P. Napolitano, Senior Judicial Analyst, Fox News Channel

Dr. Alice von Hildebrand is a woman both ahead of her time in her achievements and timeless in her commitment to defending truth. Her story, and the conversion stories of her students, remind us that the very convictions that bring worldly reproach can be the ones God uses to touch hearts, change lives and save souls.

Colleen Carroll Campbell, author of My Sisters, the Saints and The New Faithful

Ours is an age in desperate need for courageous witness to the truth, with integrity and grace. Lily Hildebrand provides just such a witness, chronicling with first-hand experience the siege under which that truth nevertheless prevails.

Frank Hanna, CEO of Hanna Capital, and Founder of the Solidarity Association

Alice von Hildebrands memoirs are the breathtaking account of one of the Great Catholic women academics of this and the last century. I cant wait for the movie.

Father C. J. McCloskey III, STD,
priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei an Research Fellow of the Faith and Reason Institute

This is a life singularly blessed with friendship and adventure, dazzling in its singularity. Yet it is full of lessons for all readers. Though our lives may not have the cinematic scope and sweep of Dr. von Hildebrands, they have no less drama in spiritual terms. She models a fierce courage of mind and heart that we would do well to imitate. Our own friendships and adventures can be far richer because we read this book.

Michael Aquilina, EWTN host and author of A Year with the Church Fathers

Just as she is herself, Alice von Hildebrands memoir of her years at Hunter College is a glistering, brilliant, priceless gem. She is so witty, wise, and indefatigable in her stand for Truth that simply to be in her presence, whether in the classroom or in the vital pages of this book, is to be profoundly inspired. I am only grieved it is not much longer and sorry it wasnt published years ago. Her voice is a matchless gift: edifying, galvanizing, and wildly entertaining.

Eric Metaxas, New York Times Bestselling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and host of Socrates in the City

Memoirs of a Happy Failure fills us with gratitude for the gift of Dr. Alice von Hildebrands life in Christ, lived with so much integrity and vigor over many years, as she has tirelessly given witness to the truth by both her example and her teaching. Especially noteworthy are the chapters of her memoirs which treat the challenges she faced during her thirty-seven years of teaching at Hunter College. Amidst the often difficult challenges, she experienced the incomparable blessing of students inspired, through the knowledge of truth gained in her philosophy courses, to seek Him who is Truth and to receive the gift of faith in Christ Who alone is our salvation. Dr. von Hildebrand was a highly competent professor, who truly loved her students and, therefore, rejoiced, above all, when they came to the truth at its living source in God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I am confident that Memoirs of a Happy Failure , by which Dr. Alice von Hildebrand recounts her life and work as a philosopher, will encourage the reader, and particularly all teachers, to be steadfast in speaking and living the truth in love (Cf. Eph 4:15).

His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura

Thanks are due to the distinguished philosopher and theologian Alice von Hildebrand for this illuminating glimpse into her joys and struggles as a woman and a Catholic over four eventful decades in the American academic world. Her love of truth shines forth on every page of this fascinating personal Memoir.

Mary Ann Glendon, Learned Hand Professor of Law, Harvard University

This intimate, poignant memoir demonstrates the power of placing ones trust in God and therein finding the strength to endure suffering and transform lives. Lily Von Hildebrand has done just that. She is a treasure, and her story a must-read.

Raymond Arroyo, New York Times Best Selling Author of Mother angelica and the Kerman Derman Chronicles .

EWTN News Managing Editor.

To my dear friends, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
and Mother Mary Angelica, PCPA whose lives have been guided by two golden truths:

Without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)

Contents

FOREWORD

W e all appreciate the impact made by a great teacher. In fact, you can probably think of the ways in which a few extraordinary teachers influenced your own development. Such a memorable teacher did not just impart knowledge of a given subject to you, but rather inspired you in some way to continue striving for truth. Ultimately, we know that Truth is not a what , but a who , that is, the person of Jesus Christ from whom all truth originates, who called Himself, The Truth. Whether the subject is philosophy, history, theologyeven geometrya great teacher shows us the beauty of truth and knowledge, the ultimate goal of education.

Dr. Alice von Hildebrand has achieved many things in her life, but her memoirs reveal that throughout the many trials and triumphs she has always remained a dedicated teacher devoted to pointing her students toward the saving Truth of Jesus Christ.

Dr. von Hildebrand has faced many obstacles along the way: from fleeing the Nazi menace in her youth; to the challenge of gaining a foothold as a philosophy professor in what was then a male-dominated profession; to the often-hostile ideological battles she faced as an increasingly rare witness to the existence of objective truth. Yet, as I read her account of these episodes, I did not find bitterness, but rather a quiet confidence that Gods grace has helped her through these difficulties. There it is: great teachers not only impart wisdom in the classroom; the example of their life often provides an even more valuable lesson.

Of course there is more to Dr. von Hildebrand than just her excellent career as a professor at Hunter College here in New York City. She was a devoted and loving wife to her late and legendary husband Dietrich, and her tireless efforts to promote the legacy of this great Catholic thinker are nothing short of remarkable. Since her retirement she has also written several books, a fact which is omitted in her memoirs on account of her characteristic modesty. These books carry her insights and knowledge beyond the lecture hall, and we are all fortunate that her retirement has yielded such an impressive output of writing! As you read these memoirs I am sure that you, like me, will learn many things. What else should we expect from such an accomplished teacher? But I hope that Dr. von Hildebrands fascinating life also brings into sharp relief the way in which all peoplewhether their title is Cardinal, Professor, Mom, Dad, or Friendare called to bring the light of Christ into the word around them. The stories recounted here of the transformative impact that Gods love had on so many of Dr. von Hildebrands students remind us that we are all instruments of Gods plan. And that is a great lesson for us all.