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
Israel was born under the British mandate. We learned from the British what democracy means, and how it behaves in a time of danger, war and terror. We thank Britain for introducing freedom and respect of human rights both in normal and demanding circumstances.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Shimon Peres acknowledges the influence of British governance on Israel's understanding of democracy and human rights.
In this quote, Shimon Peres reflects on Israel's historical context under British mandate, highlighting how this experience shaped the nation's values regarding democracy, particularly during challenging times of conflict and threat. It expresses gratitude towards Britain for instilling ideas of freedom and respect for human rights, which are pivotal, whether in normal circumstances or crises.
Themes
DemocracyFreedomHuman RightsIsraelBritainMandate
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on democracy, a leader might reference this quote to illustrate the historical evolution of democratic values.
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.
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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.
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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