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
The wars we fought were forced upon us. Thanks to the Israel Defense Forces, we won them all, but we did not win the greatest victory that we aspired to: release from the need to win victories.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the nature of conflict and the desire for true peace beyond victory in wars.
Shimon Peres emphasizes that while military victories can be achieved, the ultimate goal should be to attain peace and freedom from the cycle of conflict. Winning battles may be a necessity, but true triumph lies in overcoming the necessity of fighting altogether, highlighting the philosophical quest for a better world where victories aren't needed.
Themes
PeaceVictoryConflictWarIsraelPhilosophyFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on international peace efforts.
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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