The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.
Elie WieselRead
Humanity? Humanity is not concerned with us. Today anything is allowed. Anything is possible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the moral indifference of humanity in the face of overwhelming possibilities, suggesting a loss of ethical concern.
Elie Wiesel's quote suggests a world where human beings are indifferent to moral responsibilities, and where the boundaries of what is acceptable have become blurred. He points out that in contemporary society, people may feel liberated to act without concern for humanity or ethics, leading to the idea that anything is permissible. This notion prompts a critical reflection on moral values and responsibilities in a world where freedom of action might overshadow the importance of compassion and consideration for others.
Themes
HumanityMoralityFreedomIndifferenceEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing youth about the importance of moral choices in today's world.
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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If biologists so often forget the most universal of all biologic principles [variation], it is not surprising that men and women in general expect their fellows to think and behave according to the pattern that may fit the law-maker, or the imaginary ideals for which the legislation was fashioned, but which are ill-shaped for all real individuals who try to live under them.
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How much pain they have cost us, the evils which have never happened.
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