The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.
Elie WieselRead
We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Taking a stance against oppression is essential, as neutrality only aids those who cause harm.
Elie Wiesel emphasizes the moral obligation to choose a side in conflicts involving injustice. He argues that remaining neutral allows oppressors to thrive and undermines the plight of victims, suggesting that speaking out is crucial in fighting against suffering and injustice.
Themes
OppressionNeutralitySilenceJusticeVictimInjustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a social justice rally to inspire action against discrimination.
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.
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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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