There are many people who have made a positive impact in the world. They have been through tough situations, but use that struggle and sacrifice to give new meaning to their lives. These people have suffered, but they have also become new and improved people through the simple decision of growing from their darkest times.
Elie Wiesel was a well-known author. He survived World War II in several concentration camps before the age of seventeen and suffered the loss of loved ones, but chose to tell his story to bring attention to groups of people who have or still do suffer from persecution of race, religion, or nationality. He was a spokesperson for those groups and individuals who could not stand up for themselves.
He published his first book, “Night,” in 1958 as a memoir of his time and experience in the concentration camps, leaving out no details of the horrors he faced there. Since then, he has written about thirty books that all concern the same theme: overcoming trials. His work focuses on bringing his own experiences to light, and using them to understand the world.
In 1986, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as a spokesperson and human memorial of the Holocaust, as well as a recognition for his work as a writer. At his death on July 2, 2016, he was remembered as a man who worked his whole life to make the world a better place; The world said goodbye to a man who deserves to be remembered.
Elie Wiesel was a man who deserves to be remembered. He shared his life with us to show that even the most tragic of experiences can be used to understand more about ourselves, and the world around us. His writing brought to life a situation that we could not possibly understand, all in the hopes of helping the world see through the perspective of someone who survived.
Wiesel is an example of a man who made words powerful. We use words everyday, in conversation and in writing. Words make discussion, opinions, and thoughts come to life. Words because powerful when used for good, for better understanding. People use words to spread an idea and then fight for that cause. Words can be strong or weak, powerful or timid, or simply unpredictable. When used correctly, words can be powerful enough to give hope.
For Elie Wiesel, his impact on this world for the past six decades began with one book, one memoir that touched the hearts of those who read it. One book gave one man the power to spread his word and create an entire lifestyle fighting for a cause. His life as a spokesperson for those who cannot speak for themselves was built on his ability to use words as a tool and a pen as a weapon.
If Wiesel can create a lasting impression with only words, I believe than anyone with a purpose can do the same. Think about how you use words. Do you write for a purpose? Do you know why you write? Do you know what you are saying, and are you thinking about what impact those words will have?
Words can be powerful when used correctly and for a good and meaningful cause. Spoken or written, they become a way for us to find and give purpose to our lives. If one man can use his words to become a standing memorial of the Holocaust and an example of the stand against religious or racial persecution, then nothing should be impossible.
