![]() Like many masters of rhetoric, Wiesel successfully seized the moment. He linked the occasion of the new millennium, the location of the White House (hallowed ground of western democracy), the ceremony of the event (note Bill and Hillary Clinton seated behind the podium) with his message. So powerful a message as this – a plea for humanity. A call for people to recognise the seductive power of indifference and rail against apathy – this is an idea he rightly recognised as worthy of this particular stage on this particular day.Įlie Wiesel’s speech begins with a personal story. We are instantly drawn into the narrative and we understand that Wiesel speaks from personal experience. No matter how committed the audience might be to reparation, no matter how abhorrent we find the actions of the Nazis during the holocaust, we cannot help but wince anew when presented with this story of personal experience.Īnother reason why this speech is particularly powerful is a strong sense of ethos. According to Aristotle, ethos is the means of persuasion that relies on the character of the speaker and the audience’s ability to trust them. Even if you are not aware of Wiesel’s academic work and his literary achievements you would feel a sense of trust. This man has first-hand experience, a wealth of knowledge and the skill of eloquence with which to make a significant impact on anyone who listens. Indifference is not a beginning, it is an end. “Īt the turn of the millennium, then US president, Bill Clinton and the First Lady, Hillary Clinton invited several intellectuals to speak at the White House. The speech delivered by humanitarian, author and Nobel Prize winner, Elie Weisel lives on in history. “The opposite of love is not hatred, it’s indifference… Even hatred at times may elicit a response. Check your assignment.Elie Wiesel delivered a breathtaking speech at the White House on the 12th of April 1999. His message combined his own experience of the holocaust and the evil of apathy. ![]() You can search for other great speeches in this database by searching for "speeches" if permitted to use other speeches by your instructor.
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