The test of democracy is freedom of criticism.
David Ben-GurionRead
After eighty, there are no enemies, only survivors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As we age, we often lose our adversaries and focus on the shared experiences of survival.
This quote by David Ben-Gurion suggests that as we reach advanced age, the conflicts and rivalries that once seemed significant fade away. Instead, what remains is the recognition of our shared experiences and struggles—those who have endured life's challenges together become our companions, rather than enemies. It emphasizes a shift in perspective that values survival and camaraderie over past grievances.
Themes
AgeSurvivalWisdomPerspectiveCompanionship
In practice
Example use cases
During a retirement speech reflecting on the challenges faced and friendships formed throughout a career.
More from David Ben-Gurion
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Without moral and intellectual independence, there is no anchor for national independence.
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Anyone who believes you can't change history has never tried to write his memoirs.
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Those who today murdered our people in an ambush not only plotted to murder some Jews but intended to provoke us... The Arabs stand to gain from such a development. They want the country to be in a state of perpetual pogrom.... Any further bloodshed [by the Jews] will only bring political advantage to the Arabs and harm us... Our strength is in the defense... and this strength will give us political victory if England and the world will know that we are defending ourselves rather than attacking.
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We do not want to create a situation like that which exists in South Africa, where the whites are the owners and rulers, and the blacks are the workers. If we do not do all kinds of work, easy and hard, skilled and unskilled, if we become merely landlords, then this will not be our homeland
David Ben-GurionRead
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