In the beginning there was faith-which is childish; trust-which is vain; and illusion-which is dangerous. We believed in God, trusted in man, and lived with the illusion that every one of us has been entrusted with a sacred spark from the Shekhinah's flame; that every one of us carries in his eyes and in his soul a reflection of God's image. That was the source if not the cause of all our ordeals.
In Elie Wiesel's "Night," the author reflects on the initial innocence and blind faith held by humanity. He describes this faith as somewhat childish and points out how trust in people can often lead to disappointment, highlighting the dangers of living under illusions. Wiesel suggests that, during those early days, people believed in a divine presence, a higher power, and felt a sacred connection to God, which gave them hope in dire circumstances.
This deep-seated belief and sense of divine purpose ultimately acted as a double-edged sword, as it positioned individuals to face tragic hardships. Wiesel implies that the source of human suffering stems from these misplaced ideals, revealing the fragile nature of faith when confronted with the harsh realities of life. It paints a poignant picture of how such beliefs, while foundational, can also lead to profound disillusionment when challenged by intense adversity.
