Table of ContentsEstablishing a PhilosophyEliciting PathosUsing LogosConclusionElie Wiesel delivered a powerful and poignant speech entitled "The Perils of Indifference" on April 12, 1999 at the White House. This speech was part of the Millennium Lecture Series, which aimed to address important issues facing humanity as the new millennium approaches. Wiesel's speech, delivered in the presence of President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, addressed the dangers of indifference and the importance of taking action in the face of injustice and suffering. Through careful analysis of Wiesel's use of rhetorical devices such as ethos, pathos, and logos, as well as his strategic use of language and vivid imagery, it becomes evident that his speech effectively communicates his message and persuades his audience to think for themselves. attitudes and behaviors towards human suffering. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayEstablishing EthosOne of the most striking aspects of Wiesel's speech is his effective use of ethos, or credibility and reliability, to establish his authority on the subject. of human suffering. As a Holocaust survivor and renowned author, Wiesel has a unique and powerful philosophy that gives weight to his words. He begins his speech by acknowledging his own experiences as a survivor of the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps, stating: "I saw my people led to slaughter, I saw children thrown into the flames and I I witnessed the gas chambers. » By recounting his personal experiences, Wiesel establishes himself as a credible and authoritative voice on the subject of indifference and human suffering. This personal connection to the subject reinforces his philosophy and allows him to speak with moral authority, compelling his audience to listen and take his words seriously. Eliciting Pathos In addition to his strong philosophy, Wiesel uses pathos, or emotional appeal, to evoke deep emotion. response from his audience. Throughout his speech, he uses vivid and evocative language to paint a poignant picture of the suffering he witnessed during the Holocaust. For example, he describes the world's indifference to the plight of the Jewish people, stating: “We were not alone, the victims. The killers were our fellow human beings. » This powerful imagery serves to evoke a sense of empathy and compassion in its audience, compelling them to confront the human cost of indifference. By appealing to the emotions of his audience, Wiesel effectively conveys the urgency and seriousness of his message, prompting them to reflect on their own attitudes and actions in the face of injustice and suffering. Using Logos Additionally, Wiesel incorporates logos, or logical reasoning, to support his argument. and persuade his audience of the importance of taking action against indifference. He appeals to reason in highlighting the consequences of indifference, stating: “Indifference can be tempting – and more than that, seductive. It is so much easier to look away from the victims. It is so much easier to avoid such rude interruptions to our work. , our dreams, our hopes." By presenting a logical argument about the dangers of indifference, Wiesel encourages his audience to critically examine their own behavior and attitudes toward human suffering. He also makes appeal to the universal human experience by emphasizing the shared responsibility to prevent and alleviate suffering, stating: “Indifference is not an answer..