"In every area of human creativity, indifference is the enemy; indifference of evil is worse than evil, because it is also sterile." Elie Wiesel

Little Things Make Life Meaningful

By Michael Holmboe Meyer

Suicide is often taboo. Therefore it is right that Aftenbladet accept the challenge of focusing on this tragic subject. To be close, along with showing that one is trying to be a fellow human being, is extremely important in a society with increasing contempt for life.

People who find themselves in a difficult life situation can, unfortunately, give up as a last resort.

Suicide Intervention and Prevention PTSD and Veterans What Makes People The Happiest? -- Researchers say it's not money or popularity. The Most Deadly Disease of All: DENIAL -- No matter what the statistics show about Heart Disease or Cancer, the disease of DENIAL kills more people every year than any other disease.

I don't think politicians, the authorities or health personnel alone can fill the void in a person who has completely given up. Human contact is perhaps much more important. We can help each other to have positive experiences every day. Little things mean a lot: A friendly smile from someone, a handshake or a bit of attention are in and of themselves little things that can make existence more meaningful.

In today's competitive society respect for the individual is minimized. But it IS possible to mobilize resources in people who have been close to a breakdown by showing tolerance and kindness.

It has often been proven that people have more resources than they think. A few years ago Stavanger was visited by Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel. He is the person who is a living example of how one can turn hopelessness into victory.

Wiesel says that only one enemy is worse than despair: indifference. "In every area of human creativity indifference is the enemy; indifference of evil is worse than evil, because it is also sterile."

Suffering can be turned to friendship and generosity. Elie Wiesel has shown an entire world that despair is never the answer and that hope is always stronger.

Every single human being can carry the message of this hope.

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By Michael Holmboe Meyer
Originally published in Stavanger Aftenblad,
Stavanger, Norway.
Photo of Elie Wiesel, as guest of honor in Stavanger in 1987,
the year after he received the Nobel Peace Prize,
taken by The supreme judge in Stavanger, honorable Olav T. Laake.
Used with permission.

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Copyright © 1996 Michael Holmboe Meyer

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