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.
David Ben-Gurion was a mythic figure, the founding father of Israel and a modern-day prophet, but he was also a real man who stormed through history on human legs. It was my great privilege to know him and work with him for many years.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on David Ben-Gurion's significant role in the establishment of Israel, highlighting both his legendary status and his humanity.
Shimon Peres expresses admiration for David Ben-Gurion, recognizing him as both a legendary leader and a relatable human being. This duality emphasizes the impact Ben-Gurion had on Israeli history while also acknowledging the vibrant, personal presence he maintained in the lives of those who worked with him. Peres' words suggest that great leaders are not just historical figures, but also individuals who walk among us, shaping our realities with their actions and decisions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech commemorating a national leader, I might quote Shimon Peres to illustrate the impact of great figures.
More from Shimon Peres
All quotes βI 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.
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.
The problem of the Middle East is poverty more than politics.
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.
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.
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It was the slave's continuing desire for recognition that was the motor which propelled history forward, not the idle complacency and unchanging self-identity of the master
Crosses and gallows - that deadly historic juxtaposition.
One has to confront history honestly.
Cleopatra had one great advantage. She lived at a time when female sovereigns were not anomalies. And when women enjoyed rights they would not again enjoy for another 2,000 years. You could call them early feminists, if I may use a dirty word.
My parents were of the generation who thought they were the children of a free Czechoslovakia, the only democracy in central Europe.
Open your refrigerator door, and you summon forth more light than the total amount enjoyed by most households in the 18th century. The world at night, for much of history, was a very dark place indeed.