Perils of Indifference

"What is indifference? Etymologically, the word means "no difference." A strange and unnatural state in which the lines blur between light and darkness, dusk and dawn, crime and punishment, cruelty and compassion, good and evil. What are its courses and inescapable consequences? Is it a philosophy? Is there a philosophy of indifference conceivable? Can one possibly view indifference as a virtue? Is it necessary at times to practice it simply to keep one's sanity, live normally, enjoy a fine meal and a glass of wine, as the world around us experiences harrowing upheavals?"

Answer Elie Weisel's questions to the best of your ability. Use your heart, your mind, your understanding of human nature, and historical evidence. A minimum of 300 words is expected.

Indifference is the state where a person is not concerned with their surroundings or the effects of the events occurring around them regardless of the implications. In our class discussion we wondered whether a person who is indifferent can still have strong convictions regarding important issues. I think that what defines indifference is a lack of passion or the absence of complete understanding. When the feelings are present, but one does not do anything to put their ideas into motion, I believe this is laziness. One may say, "How horrible that so many genocides have occurred during this century" but if there is no action, we see that either the person does not truly comprehend the reality of the situation or simply is lazy. If this were not the case then there would be a need for change ignited inside the person. These represent two characteristics of human nature. We are self involved and we usually cannot grasp the extent of a situation without participating in it. If we do, we must remove ourselves once more in order to look at the situation critically as a means to find the best solution. And what happens if we do take it upon ourselves to make all the necessary changes in the world? This is not a logical or conceivable aim, in fact it could be destructive to have one person making life altering decisions for the world. Indifference cannot possibly be virtuous, but passion for all things is unimaginable. What must be done is to rid indifference on the small scale, to perhaps not seek out the problems in the world -because that may be a bit depressing- rather to be caring towards the people you are surrounded by and positive in the situations may be in. Indifference is not a philosophy, it is a state of mind, a trait of the human spirit, a disinterest in others and a focus on oneself. I don't think that as I explained indifference above it could possibly be necessary. If we allow ourselves to be touched by the world around us and share this with others that in itself is a simple way to prevent indifference.