Today, for the first time, I discovered author, teacher, humanitarian and Nobel Prize recipient Elie Wiesel. I was struck by the shear profoundness of nearly everything this brilliant and compassionate man has to say. In light of this, I thought I would share a few things from him.
Elie Wiesel
The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.
There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.
Because I remember, I despair. Because I remember, I have the duty to reject despair.
Because of indifference, one dies before one actually dies.
I decided to devote my life to telling the story because I felt that having survived I owe something to the dead. and anyone who does not remember betrays them again. (in regards to the holocaust)
I have not lost faith in God. I have moments of anger and protest. Sometimes I've been closer to him for that reason.
I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
In Jewish history there are no coincidences.
Indifference, to me, is the epitome of evil.
Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.
Most people think that shadows follow, precede or surround beings or objects. The truth is that they also surround words, ideas, desires, deeds, impulses and memories.
No one is as capable of gratitude as one who has emerged from the kingdom of night.
thank u for this entry.