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Conversations with Elie Wiesel

elie wiesel richard d. heffner

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Conversations with Elie Wiesel is a far-ranging dialogue with the Nobel Peace Prize-winner on the major issues of our time and on life’s timeless questions.

In open and lively responses to the probing questions and provocative comments of Richard D. Heffner—American historian, noted public television moderator/producer, and Rutgers University professor—Elie Wiesel covers fascinating and often perilous political and spiritual ground, expounding on issues global and local, individual and universal, often drawing anecdotally on his own life experience.

We hear from Wiesel on subjects that include the moral responsibility of both individuals and governments; the role of the state in our lives; the anatomy of hate; the threat of technology; religion, politics, and tolerance; nationalism; capital punishment, compassion, and mercy; and the essential role of historical memory.

These conversations present a valuable and thought-provoking distillation of the thinking of one of the world’s most important and respected figures—a man who has become a moral beacon for our time.

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 1,1991

This edition

Format
208 pages, Paperback
Published
February 4, 2003 by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
ISBN
9780805211412
ASIN
0805211411
Language
English

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About the author

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elie wiesel

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Eliezer "Elie" Wiesel was a Romanian-born American writer, professor, political activist, Nobel laureate, and Holocaust survivor. He authored 57 books, written mostly in French and English, including Night, a work based on his experiences as a Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps.
In his political activities Wiesel became a regular speaker on the subject of the Holocaust and remained a strong defender of human rights during his lifetime. He also advocated for many other causes like the state of Israel and against Hamas and victims of oppression including Soviet and Ethiopian Jews, the apartheid in South Africa, the Bosnian genocide, Sudan, the Kurds and the Armenian genocide, Argentina's Desaparecidos or Nicaragua's Miskito people.
He was a professor of the humanities at Boston University, which created the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies in his honor. He was involved with Jewish causes and human rights causes and helped establish the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Wiesel was awarded various prestigious awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. He was a founding board member of the New York Human Rights Foundation and remained active in it throughout his life.

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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 11 votes)
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11 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
asdwwe
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Rated "1" for hypocrisy.


The London Times has rejected an anti-Hamas children's book by Elie Wiesel. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked a debate about the newspaper's stance. Wiesel, a renowned Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate, had written the book with the intention of educating children about the horrors of Hamas. However, the London Times' rejection has been seen by many as hypocritical.


Some argue that the newspaper's decision may be influenced by political or ideological factors. Others believe that it is a missed opportunity to expose children to important lessons about the consequences of violence and extremism. The rejection has also led to calls for a more open and inclusive approach to publishing children's literature.


In conclusion, the London Times' rejection of Elie Wiesel's anti-Hamas children's book has generated significant controversy. It remains to be seen whether the newspaper will reconsider its decision or face further criticism for its perceived hypocrisy. http://forward.com/articles/203581/lo...
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
loppiiz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Based upon conversations between Holocaust survivor, author, college professor and Nobel Prize winner, Elie Wiesel and his long time friend and colleague, Richard D. Heffner, these conversations cover fascinating political and spiritual ground.

They expound on many global issues, touching upon topics that are of great significance in our world today.

Although there are references to the Holocaust and World War II, it would be inaccurate to say that this is merely a book about those two events.

Nor is it a traditional biography as the bookshelves or tags might describe it.

Rather, it offers a unique perspective and a wealth of insights through the exchanges between these two individuals.

It was, without a doubt, an extremely interesting book that invites readers to explore and reflect on a wide range of important matters.

It challenges our thinking and broadens our understanding of the complex world we live in.

Whether one is interested in history, politics, or spirituality, there is something in this book to engage and启迪 the mind.

It is a testament to the power of dialogue and the importance of sharing ideas and experiences.

Overall, it is a book that leaves a lasting impression and is well worth reading.

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Takoyaki1400
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I was deeply engaged in the pursuit of reflections on his experiences during the Holocaust.

Although the book does indeed touch upon that crucial point in history, it is, in fact, much more than just a recount of those harrowing events. Instead, the book serves as a profound and thought-provoking commentary on life itself.

Wiesel, without a doubt, is a truly wise man. His insights are not only remarkable but also offer a unique perspective on the human condition.

Through his words, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust, while also being inspired by his ability to find meaning and hope in the face of such great adversity.

His work serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering the past and of learning from history so that we can strive to create a better future for all.
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INoLuv
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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How could a man or a woman participate in the killing of ten thousand people a day and not even feel it? It is truly astonishing and beyond comprehension.

It was like a parallel universe. When people entered that strange realm, the killers carried out their heinous acts, the victims met their tragic ends, and yet the sky remained blue, as if nothing had happened.

Somewhere in that parallel universe, a man who was in charge of the bookkeeping simply wrote, “Today they killed 10,494.” It was a cold and mechanical act, devoid of any emotion or empathy.

Had there been hate, perhaps it would have been a different story. Hate can fuel violence and aggression, but it also implies a certain level of passion and feeling. In this case, it seems that there was no hate, only a sense of detachment and numbness.

It makes one wonder about the nature of humanity and the capacity for such inhumane behavior. How could people become so desensitized to the suffering and death of others?

These are questions that may never have a satisfactory answer, but they are important to consider nonetheless.

Perhaps by reflecting on such disturbing scenarios, we can strive to ensure that they never become a reality in our own world.

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yokobluu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This book is a remarkable compilation of interviews and conversations that took place between Elie Wiesel and his esteemed colleague Richard D. Heffner.

The two engage in a deep and thought-provoking exploration of various crucial topics, including the nature of power, the importance of journalistic integrity, and a profound concern for humanity.

I was particularly struck by Wiesel's unwavering belief in the significance of bearing witness to tragedy and being present for the victims. The entire trajectory of his illustrious journalistic career serves as a powerful embodiment of this principle.

I firmly believe that this is a lesson that journalists in the present day can and should continue to practice and strive for in their reporting.

I found myself re-reading several passages multiple times because Wiesel has an incredibly beautiful and unique way of seeing the world. His words have the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers, and to inspire them to take action and make a positive difference in the world.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in journalism, history, and the human condition.
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bedzz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The chapters presented here are transcripts of truly extraordinary conversations that took place between Wiesel and Heffner. These exchanges are not only a source of profound knowledge but also a testament to Wiesel's remarkable wisdom.

Wiesel's works have always had a profound impact on me, and every time I pick up any of his writings, I am touched by the beauty of his wisdom. His words have the power to move, inspire, and make us think deeply about the human condition.

Through his conversations with Heffner, Wiesel shares his insights on a wide range of topics, from the Holocaust to the meaning of life. His ability to articulate complex ideas with such clarity and simplicity is truly remarkable.

These transcripts are a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Wiesel's life and work. They offer a unique perspective on his thoughts and beliefs and provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the words.

In conclusion, the chapters of Wiesel and Heffner's conversations are a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Wiesel's wisdom and be inspired by his words.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Lychee3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Intense.

Life is full of challenges and opportunities, and in this intense journey, we need a lot of life advice to guide us.

Some people say that we should always be positive, no matter what difficulties we encounter. Others believe that we should learn from our mistakes and never give up.

In my opinion, both of these pieces of advice are important. A positive attitude can help us overcome obstacles and find solutions to problems. At the same time, learning from our mistakes can make us stronger and more resilient.

However, life advice is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, we need to be open-minded and willing to try different things.

We should also listen to our inner voice and trust our instincts. Sometimes, the best advice we can get is from ourselves.

In conclusion, in this intense life, we need a lot of life advice to help us navigate through the challenges and opportunities. But we should also remember that the most important thing is to be true to ourselves and follow our own path.
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IotaValentine
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Having read a significant number of books by the author, including an additional one like this which emerged from a lengthy conversation, I must state that Elie Wiesel does not seem as personable in these dialogues as he does in his own writing. I'm unsure of the reason for this, but it's at least worth speculating. In his own works, the author typically has a story to convey, whether it's about his childhood, a fictional account related to the Holocaust and its consequences, narratives about sages and wise men, or a memoir of a near-death experience due to heart problems. In these contexts, the author is charming and, although his range may be somewhat narrow, he handles it well.


However, when engaged in the kind of conversations that turn into books, we see the flaws in Elie Wiesel's approach. His reflexive globalism, hostility to absolute truth, post-millennial optimism, automatic sympathy for supposed "victims," and failure to understand how they can become oppressors, as seen in South Africa and other places, are all evident. This book consists of eleven chapters with various interludes containing smaller fragments of conversations. The discussions cover a wide range of topics, from the responsibility people have for others to the role of the intellectual in public life, political correctness, the proper role of the state, religious and political issues, nationalism and upheaval, the anatomy of hate, Wiesel's opposition to capital punishment, and the mercy of taking lives.


Finally, the conversation concludes with a discussion of making ourselves over in whose image and the mystic chords of memory that connect people. Overall, the book contains about 175 pages of material, and its reception by the reader will likely depend on the extent to which Wiesel's political worldview aligns with their own. Admittedly, there are many differences between my worldview and Wiesel's, so this book did not greatly appeal to me as a reader. This book truly highlights the problem that arises when having a book of conversations. When the author writes about his own story or an imagined one, he has a decent prose style and an engaging approach that can be enjoyed without too much difficulty. However, his views on political matters are decidedly partisan, with a bias that I find reprehensible in politics. The author seems distressed that politics are so important and would rather discuss other topics, but the way this book is structured, it appears that the co-author is most interested in presenting Wiesel's views on policy and geopolitics, which is precisely where Wiesel has the least to say that is worth reading and paying attention to. As a person, Wiesel is charming; as a Holocaust survivor, he has many dark tales to tell; but as a political commentator, his views are not particularly insightful or valuable. By focusing on the author's weaknesses rather than his strengths, this volume is a big disappointment in a small book.

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