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.
Shimon PeresRead
That was my first lesson from Ben-Gurion. Then I saw him making peace, and I saw him making war. He mobilized me before the war. The man was a very rare combination between a real intellectual and a born leader. There is a contradiction between the two.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Shimon Peres reflects on the duality of Ben-Gurion's character as both a thinker and a decisive leader in times of conflict and peace.
In this quote, Shimon Peres highlights the complex personality of David Ben-Gurion, illustrating how he balanced intellectual pursuits with assertive leadership during critical moments. Peres emphasizes the rarity of individuals who can navigate the intricacies of both peace and war, showcasing the paradox that exists between being a profound thinker and a compelling leader. This duality not only shaped Ben-Gurion's effectiveness in leadership but also aided in significant historical developments.
Themes
LeadershipIntellectualPeaceWarCombination
In practice
Example use cases
In a keynote speech about effective leadership, one could reference this quote to emphasize the importance of balancing thought and action.
More from Shimon Peres
All quotes →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.
Shimon PeresRead
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.
Shimon PeresRead
The problem of the Middle East is poverty more than politics.
Shimon PeresRead
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.
Shimon PeresRead
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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