The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.
Elie WieselRead
No human race is superior; no religious faith is inferior. All collective judgments are wrong. Only racists make them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes equality among all races and faiths, condemning collective judgments as incorrect and the mindset of racism.
Elie Wiesel's quote reflects on the fundamental equality of all human beings, asserting that no race holds superiority over another and that no religious belief is lesser in value. It critiques the tendency to make blanket judgments about groups based on race or religion, labeling such views as inherently racist and wrong. By emphasizing the need to see individuals beyond their group identities, Wiesel promotes a vision of humanity rooted in respect and understanding.
Themes
EqualityRacismFaithJudgmentHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about human rights, one might quote Wiesel to emphasize the importance of rejecting racism.
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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