Search - Dialogues: Conversations on the Critical Issues of Our Time on DVD

Great Talks with Elie Wiesel - Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Gerard D. Launay | Berkeley, California | 04/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I was in college, I discussed the BIG topics with my friends over lunch or coffee...should politicians be guided by their faith, should capital punishment be abolished, what stand should I take on political correctness? Today in a world where conversations are being trivialized
(e.g. is Brad going to split from Angelina) it is deeply refreshing to be reminded that some people continue to talk and think about the important questions of our time. Sit up and take notice.

This 10 part series allows us, if you will, to invite Elie Wiesel to dinner and ask his opinions about these topics. After all, he is a profound thinker, biblical scholar, college professor on ethics, well known author, and Auschwitz survivor. Some of his responses are surprising. While acknowledging that life is sacred, he does not rule out capital punishment...particularly for those who kill children. Interestingly, Elie Wiesel admits he does not have the answer to some of the questions, a stance unlike some intellectuals who always have a ready answer for everything.

My favorite episode is the one on language. Wiesel argues that if we want to study the history of a culture we should not go to its museums, we should go to the language. As for biblical prophets, he reminds us that they succeeded precisely because they were NOT politically correct.

The discussions took place in 1997 and therefore we don't have Mr. Wiesel's insights into the recent developments in the Middle East, 9/11 and world terrorism. That's a minor problem. Still, these are very engaging and intelligent conversations. Go for it."