The test of democracy is freedom of criticism.
David Ben-GurionRead
We must assist the British in the war as if there were no White Paper and we must resist the White Paper as if there were no war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the need to balance support for a cause with the opposition to its flawed aspects.
David Ben-Gurion’s quote reflects the complexity of political and social situations, highlighting the necessity of taking action in two seemingly contradictory ways. It suggests that one should fully support allies in times of conflict while simultaneously challenging and resisting unjust policies or documents, promoting a nuanced approach to activism and statecraft.
Themes
WarResistancePolicySupportBalance
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about political activism, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of holding contradictory views simultaneously.
More from David Ben-Gurion
All quotes →We offer peace and neighborliness to all the neighboring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Hebrew nation for the common good of all.
David Ben-GurionRead
Without moral and intellectual independence, there is no anchor for national independence.
David Ben-GurionRead
Anyone who believes you can't change history has never tried to write his memoirs.
David Ben-GurionRead
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.
David Ben-GurionRead
After eighty, there are no enemies, only survivors.
David Ben-GurionRead
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