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You know when civilization began? With the invention of the mirror.
Shimon Peres
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that self-reflection is a pivotal moment in human civilization.

Shimon Peres' quote implies that the invention of the mirror symbolizes the beginning of civilization, as it represents humanity's ability to reflect on itself, its nature, and its existence. The mirror metaphorically allows individuals and societies to confront their identities, fostering growth, understanding, and progress, which are essential elements of civilized life.

Themes

CivilizationMirrorSelf-ReflectionIdentityGrowth

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of self-awareness in leadership, one might say, 'As Shimon Peres said, civilization began with the invention of the mirror, highlighting how vital self-reflection is for effective leadership.'

More from Shimon Peres

When it becomes a bloody reality, we have to come together and look at what can be done to return to the order of peace, ... There is no alternative to it.
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I didn't plan to be a politician. The founder of our country, David Ben-Gurion, called me from the kibbutz to serve in the underground. We were short of manpower, short of arms. I was 24 years old. I was supposed to serve my country for one or two years. I am 89 years old this year, and I keep going.
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The United States is the only power in history that became great by giving and not by taking. I think the crisis was when the United States had more money than ideas. Money doesn't produce money. Ideas produce money.
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The problem of the Middle East is poverty more than politics.
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The Iranian regime suppresses its own people as well as others in the region. It prevents peace by sponsoring terror globally. With the ultimate weapon that it is deceptively developing, the regime aims to gain hegemony over the entire Middle East and hold the world's economy hostage.
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Early in the morning, I fell in love with the girl that later on became my wife. At that time, we were so naive. I wanted to charm her, so I read her Capital by Marx. I thought somehow she would be convinced by the strength of his criticism about capital.
Shimon PeresRead

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A little wisdom, now and then

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