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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Shimon Peres reflects on how he unexpectedly became a politician and continues to serve his country well into old age.
In this quote, Shimon Peres shares his journey from being called to serve in the underground movement at a young age to a long and illustrious career in politics. It highlights the themes of duty, unexpected paths in life, and a lifelong commitment to serving one's country, demonstrating how circumstances can shape a person's life and purpose over the decades.
Themes
LeadershipServiceCommitmentPoliticsDuty
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic duty, this quote can inspire young leaders to embrace unexpected roles.
More from Shimon Peres
All quotes →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
One of the things the United States does well is building coalitions. What the U.S. knows is that if you don't have a coalition with you, you will have a coalition against you. I don't want to see China and Russia on the side of Iran more strongly than they are.
Shimon PeresRead
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