The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.
Elie WieselRead
We were masters of nature, masters of the world. We had forgotten everything--death, fatigue, our natural needs. Stronger than cold or hunger, stronger than the shots and the desire to die, condemned and wandering, mere numbers, we were the only men on earth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the resilience of the human spirit amidst suffering and the loss of identity.
Elie Wiesel's quote captures the essence of human endurance and the psychological state of individuals who have faced extreme adversity. It suggests that in the face of overwhelming challenges—such as death, hunger, and despair—humans can transcend their natural instincts and struggles, ultimately losing sight of their basic needs and humanity. It underscores a profound existential moment where survivors become mere statistics, disconnected from their suffering.
Themes
ResilienceSufferingHumanityIdentityEndurance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about overcoming adversity in life.
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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