Volume 09 of the diaries of Erich Mühsam offers a profound insight into the events of the second half of 1921, when the author was imprisoned in the Bavarian fortress of Niederschönenfeld. During this time, Mühsam's unwavering belief in the future is put to a severe test. The prisoners are subjected to the psychological terror of their guards, raising the question of whether it is still about hope or merely about resistance. Mühsam reflects on the challenges of political struggle and the preservation of one's dignity in a situation marked by isolation and oppression. His thoughts and emotions are not only theoretical but are intensified by his experiences and the constant threat to his freedom. This volume is a powerful testament to the human spirit in times of great adversity.