Last night I came across this quote, by Elie Wiesel. I put it on my Facebook page, but thought I'd share it here, as its very relevant:
"Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Elie Wiesel
Think about it. And please drop us a comment, as to what you think?
The Rebuttal also picked up on the quote, the post is worth a read and has way too many UK parallels.
Comments (3)
I've always believed that EVIL, needs a cover from which to operate. Evil is not a self sustaining force. It is a destructive force. Whereas GOOD, is a sustaining and creative force.
To do good, is to put yourself out there. To be courageous, to stand out from the crowd, to act when others refrain.
There is safety in blending with the crowd, in passing the buck, in uttering some pious words, but failing to act upon them.
In the quote, the post reprints, evil is being done with the aid of those who remain silent, never speaking up, and refraining from any action. A silence that maybe bought by power, status and position promised by an organisation.
Evil is being done, under the guise of altruism, by those who bear no altruistic motives, but selfish ones.
Evil can't sustain itself. It co-opts various means, such as the leeching off the force for good, and subverting it.
I could go on, but I'm sure you get my drift......
Posted by Tony Nicholas | June 28, 2009 11:12 AM
I think the quote is so profound that I can't help myself to remains silence and admire at it. :-)
It is like an incident which occurred 4 months ago - some young drunken tyke who was giving OTT aggro to a poor bemused taxi driver. I tried to intervene to defuse the situation but my mates pulled me away. Cos they think I might get stabbed. But if all my mates helped me out (6 of us), it would definitely helps to stop the flashpoint and make a statement that this behaviour is not acceptable.
Posted by Saltbar | June 29, 2009 12:34 AM
The unfortunate victim of both Adolph Hitler and Bernie Madoff. Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity foundation's assets (approximately $15.2 million) had been lost through Bernard Madoff's investment firm. I wonder what Mrs Madoff felt like when they came to get her NY apt- like all those who lost their homes cause of her husband perhaps? if you believe Mrs Madoff knew- and she writes a book to make money- which I think she will-- DONT BUY IT
Posted by diora noble | July 22, 2009 5:09 AM