Night Quotes
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Source: Night
Author: Elie Wiesel
In the beginning there was faith—which is childish; trust—which is vain; and illusion—which is dangerous.
Context
These words formed the opening line of the original version of Night, but the quote has since been removed in more recent editions. Why? Because, in case you hadn't noticed, it's a bit cynical.
But, really, the sentiment fits with the book: Eliezer feels as though he has been forsaken both by God and by his fellow human beings.
P.S. The quote mirrors the beginning of the book of Genesis. Ironic, perhaps?
Where you've heard it
You might hear this quote in reference to any sort of period of maturation or realization, when someone realizes that most of the world is pretty much terrible.
Oh, sorry. Did we burst your bubble?
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Maybe Eliezer could have taken a page out of Anne Frank's book.