The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.
Elie WieselRead
A destruction, an annihilation that only man can provoke, only man can prevent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humanity has the power to cause great destruction, but it also has the responsibility to prevent it.
This quote by Elie Wiesel highlights the duality of human nature; while humans possess the ability to initiate significant harm and annihilation, they also hold the capacity to avert such tragedies. It suggests a moral imperative for individuals to recognize their role in preventing the destruction of themselves and the world around them, emphasizing the importance of choice and responsibility in human actions.
Themes
DestructionResponsibilityHumanityPreventAnnihilation
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on environmental sustainability, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for collective action against climate change.
More from Elie Wiesel
All quotes →With every cell of my being and with every fiber of my memory I oppose the death penalty in all forms. I do not believe any civilized society should be at the service of death. I don't think it's human to become an agent of the angel of death.
Elie WieselRead
Certain things, certain events, seem inexplicable only for a time: up to the moment when the veil is torn aside.
Elie WieselRead
We're alone, but we are capable of communicating to one another both our loneliness and our desire to break through it. You say, 'I'm alone.' Someone answers, 'I'm alone too.' There's a shift in the scale of power. A bridge is thrown between the two abysses.
Elie WieselRead
No one is as capable of gratitude as one who has escaped the kingdom of night.
Elie WieselRead
My loyalty to my people, to our people, and to Israel comes first and prevents me from saying anything critical of Israel outside Israel… As a Jew I see my role as a melitz yosher, a defender of Israel: I defend even her mistakes… I must identify with whatever Israel does – even with her errors.
Elie WieselRead
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Let us with Caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.
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The ascetic is often a sensualist who has reached the limit of his capacity.
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