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Moral Obligations In Elie Wiesel's 'Night'

656 Words3 Pages

Macey Martin
English 2P
Ms. Kilba
05/12/2023
Night Synthesis Throughout history, individuals have faced the moral dilemma of whether or not to help those in danger. While some argue that it is a moral obligation to help others in need, others believe it is not always the individual's responsibility. After analyzing “Night”, "First They Came For the Communists”, "The Perils of Indifference”, and a couple of others' thoughts, it is evident that individuals have a moral obligation to help others who are in danger, regardless of their own personal circumstances. Whether it is a matter of life or death, our human nature compels us to act compassionately and offer assistance. In Night, Elie Wiesel provides a firsthand account of the atrocities …show more content…

It states in the beginning, “First they came for the Communists and I did not speak out” and ends with, “Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me” (Lines 1,2,13-15 Niemoller). The poem details the Nazis' persecution of various groups, with the speaker only speaking out when they finally come for him. The poem highlights the importance of standing up for others, as eventually, it might escalate to where everyone is at risk. In human nature, it is known that people follow what everyone else is doing, though it can be changed. The obligation to help others in danger extends beyond the immediate act of assistance. It ripples outward, inspiring and motivating others to follow suit. The power of collective action cannot be underestimated. When individuals witness acts of compassion and solidarity, it sparks a chain reaction, prompting others to participate and create a more compassionate …show more content…

The Milgram Experiment showed that individuals were willing to inflict harm on others if instructed to do so by an authority figure. Similarly, Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment demonstrated the ease with which individuals can become passive bystanders when placed in a position of authority. These experiments serve as a warning against the dangers of remaining passive and emphasize the importance of taking action to help others. Along with those, when looking at Elie Wiesel's observations, it shows that true empathy and compassion cannot be compelled; they must be nurtured and cultivated through a deeper understanding of the human condition. While promoting a culture of empathy and compassion is essential, imposing obligations on individuals risks diluting the authenticity and depth of their assistance. Fostering a society that values kindness and encourages genuine care for others can lead to more meaningful and effective support for those in

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