" When we were shooting ‘The Book Thief,’ I was keeping all these journals. And I remember talking to my mom, really trying to verbalize all the experiences I was having. And I remember my mom saying, ‘Ben, reflection is a retroactive process.’ When you’re going through it, that’s the time to just let it wash over you. "
- Ben Schnetzer

In the given statement, Ben Schnetzer reflects on a conversation with his mother during a period when he was deeply immersed in filming 'The Book Thief.' At that time, he was recording his experiences and feelings in journals. His mother advised him to embrace the present moment rather than trying to dissect and understand every experience as it happens.

This quote underscores the importance of living in the moment and experiencing life fully without immediately analyzing or reflecting on each detail. While journaling can be a therapeutic tool for processing emotions, Schnetzer's mother suggests that true reflection often comes later when one has the distance and perspective to look back at their experiences more objectively. This idea highlights how current moments may feel overwhelming or confusing, but with time and distance, these events can gain clarity and significance.

Ben Schnetzer is an actor known for his roles in various films and television series, including 'The Book Thief.' His reflection on this conversation with his mother provides insight not only into the process of acting and experiencing intense emotions firsthand but also about how individuals cope with overwhelming life experiences. This quote encapsulates a broader philosophy that resonates beyond just the context of filmmaking or acting.