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No Room for Small Dreams: Courage, Imagination and the Making of Modern Israel
In 1934, eleven-year-old Shimon Peres emigrated to the land of Israel from his native Poland, leaving behind an extended family who would later be murdered in the Holocaust. Few back then would have predicted that this young man would eventually become one of the towering figures of the twentieth century. Peres would indeed go on to serve the new state as prime minister, president, foreign minister, and the head of several other ministries. He was central to the establishment of the Israeli Defense Forces and the defense industry that would provide the young state with a robust deterrent power. He was crucial to launching Israel’s nuclear energy program and to the creation of its high-tech “Start-up Nation” revolution. His refusal to surrender to conventional wisdom and political norms helped save the Israeli economy and prompted some of the most daring military operations in history, among them the legendary Operation Entebbe. And yet, as important as his role in creating and deploying Israel’s armed forces was, his stunning transition from hawk to dove—with its accompanying unwavering commitment to peace—made him one of the globe’s most recognized, honored, and admired statesmen.
In this, his final work, finished only weeks before his passing, Peres offers a long-awaited examination of the crucial turning points in Israeli history through the prism of having been a decision maker and eyewitness. Told with the frankness of someone aware this would likely be his final statement, No Room for Small Dreams spans decades and events, but as much as it is about what happened, it is about why it happened. Examining pivotal moments in Israel’s rise, Peres explores what makes for a great leader, how to make hard choices in a climate of uncertainty and distress, the challenges of balancing principles with policies, and the liberating nature of imagination and unpredicted innovation. In doing so, he not only charts a better path forward for his beloved country but provides deep and universal wisdom for younger generations who seek to lead—be it in politics, business, or the broader service of making our planet a safer, more peaceful, and just place.
In this, his final work, finished only weeks before his passing, Peres offers a long-awaited examination of the crucial turning points in Israeli history through the prism of having been a decision maker and eyewitness. Told with the frankness of someone aware this would likely be his final statement, No Room for Small Dreams spans decades and events, but as much as it is about what happened, it is about why it happened. Examining pivotal moments in Israel’s rise, Peres explores what makes for a great leader, how to make hard choices in a climate of uncertainty and distress, the challenges of balancing principles with policies, and the liberating nature of imagination and unpredicted innovation. In doing so, he not only charts a better path forward for his beloved country but provides deep and universal wisdom for younger generations who seek to lead—be it in politics, business, or the broader service of making our planet a safer, more peaceful, and just place.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2017
175 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
About the author
Shimon Peres
60 books49 followersPolish-Israeli political leader Shimon Peres served as prime minister from 1984 to 1986, negotiated with the Palestine liberation organization, therefore shared the Nobel Prize of 1994 for peace, and returned from 1995 to 1996.
Yasir Arafat shared the Nobel Prize of 1994 for peace with Yitzhak Rabin and Peres.
Shimon Peres, a statesman served as the ninth president from 2007 to 2014. Peres served twice as interim and as a member of 12 cabinets in a career, spanning more than 66 years. People elected Peres to the Knesset in November 1959 and continued except a three-month-long hiatus in early 2006 until 2007, when he held role of president for another seven years. He, the oldest head of state of the world at the time, retired in 2014. People considered this last link to founding generation.
From a young age, his brilliant oratory attracted renown. He began his career in the late 1940s and during and directly after war of independence held several diplomatic and military positions.
He attained his first high-level government position as deputy director-general of defense in 1952 at the age of 28 years and from 1953 served as director-general until 1959. In the 1950s, Anthony Eden of Britain described the protocol of Sèvres as the "highest form of statesmanship," and Peres took part.
Peres participated in the foreign talks that with Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat produced the accords at Oslo.
During his career, he represented Mapai, Rafi, alignment, Labor, and Kadima parties in the Knesset. In his private life, he, a poet, wrote stanzas during cabinet meetings and later turned some poems into songs. From prophets of Old Testament, French literature, and Chinese philosophy, he as a result of his deep interests ably quoted with equal ease.
Following a massive stroke and two weeks of hospitalization at the Sheba medical center near Tel-Aviv, Peres died.
Yasir Arafat shared the Nobel Prize of 1994 for peace with Yitzhak Rabin and Peres.
Shimon Peres, a statesman served as the ninth president from 2007 to 2014. Peres served twice as interim and as a member of 12 cabinets in a career, spanning more than 66 years. People elected Peres to the Knesset in November 1959 and continued except a three-month-long hiatus in early 2006 until 2007, when he held role of president for another seven years. He, the oldest head of state of the world at the time, retired in 2014. People considered this last link to founding generation.
From a young age, his brilliant oratory attracted renown. He began his career in the late 1940s and during and directly after war of independence held several diplomatic and military positions.
He attained his first high-level government position as deputy director-general of defense in 1952 at the age of 28 years and from 1953 served as director-general until 1959. In the 1950s, Anthony Eden of Britain described the protocol of Sèvres as the "highest form of statesmanship," and Peres took part.
Peres participated in the foreign talks that with Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat produced the accords at Oslo.
During his career, he represented Mapai, Rafi, alignment, Labor, and Kadima parties in the Knesset. In his private life, he, a poet, wrote stanzas during cabinet meetings and later turned some poems into songs. From prophets of Old Testament, French literature, and Chinese philosophy, he as a result of his deep interests ably quoted with equal ease.
Following a massive stroke and two weeks of hospitalization at the Sheba medical center near Tel-Aviv, Peres died.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
October 20, 2017
It's Shimon Peres telling you his life and his dreams and ambitions. It's also hard to tell if that is all.
It taught me some things and I thought the earlier ancestor stories and those 1938-58 years in that kibbutz young people's unit/ school and his earlier working years was outstanding to read. And how he got so involved in the Zionist moment. But later with time sequences rather flip-flop style and some skipping and lots of name dropping and aside /tangent material to changes in his basic "true" stance? Politico stance but also in his power affinity changes?
He was a masterly politician and a tremendously active and energetic light for his new country. And he had a high, high intelligence. But somehow I feel like the changes over decades in his dictates and outlook for Israel itself- that wasn't straight or very clear. But maybe a lot of this is over my head. But I don't think so. I do think there are multiple faces that needed to be played. And that he may also have been a great actor.
It's really 3.5 star fully- but I just can't round it up. I feel like this was not ALL of Shimon.
It taught me some things and I thought the earlier ancestor stories and those 1938-58 years in that kibbutz young people's unit/ school and his earlier working years was outstanding to read. And how he got so involved in the Zionist moment. But later with time sequences rather flip-flop style and some skipping and lots of name dropping and aside /tangent material to changes in his basic "true" stance? Politico stance but also in his power affinity changes?
He was a masterly politician and a tremendously active and energetic light for his new country. And he had a high, high intelligence. But somehow I feel like the changes over decades in his dictates and outlook for Israel itself- that wasn't straight or very clear. But maybe a lot of this is over my head. But I don't think so. I do think there are multiple faces that needed to be played. And that he may also have been a great actor.
It's really 3.5 star fully- but I just can't round it up. I feel like this was not ALL of Shimon.
November 16, 2018
Ben Gurion once said,'In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles'. No one has put this maxim to practice to a greater effect than Shimon Peres. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom and leadership lessons narrated by one of the founding fathers and tallest leaders of Israel. The parallel between his life and the life of his young nation was best described by Prime Minister Banjamin Netanyahu when, on Peres' death he remarked in September 2016,'Today is the first day in the life of Israel without Shimon Peres'.
Shimon Peres has played a crucial role in almost all key decisions that Israel took to ensure not only its survival but also to prosper and stand tall along side other major powers of the world. With no formal education, armed only with an enviable pool of optimism, zeal and patriotism, this young immigrant from Poland went on to become one of the closest aides of Ben Gurion together with whom he shaped the destiny of an infant nation surrounded with enemies on all fronts.
In the book, Peres describes how he never shied away from taking risks and going ahead with his gut feelings often amidst surmounting opposition and cynicism, only to prove everyone wrong through his perseverance, dogged determination and will to carve a niche for his country in the global arena. In the interests of his country, he became a hawk when the security of Israel was at peril; and once peace appeared on the horizon, he was the first dove to pursue it with ardent devotion. He was a rare politician who never failed to put nation's interests before his own even at the cost of being unpopular or drawing criticism. Through his charisma, cunning and sheer force of personality, he played a key role in the initial years when the country needed alliances and allies. His efforts for peace led to the path breaking Oslo accords eventually landing him the Nobel Peace prize. The book is a lesson for anyone aspiring to make a difference in the lives of others no matter how small. It is a reminder for the reader to dream big and believe in them through to their fruition. Overall, a five star read.
Shimon Peres has played a crucial role in almost all key decisions that Israel took to ensure not only its survival but also to prosper and stand tall along side other major powers of the world. With no formal education, armed only with an enviable pool of optimism, zeal and patriotism, this young immigrant from Poland went on to become one of the closest aides of Ben Gurion together with whom he shaped the destiny of an infant nation surrounded with enemies on all fronts.
In the book, Peres describes how he never shied away from taking risks and going ahead with his gut feelings often amidst surmounting opposition and cynicism, only to prove everyone wrong through his perseverance, dogged determination and will to carve a niche for his country in the global arena. In the interests of his country, he became a hawk when the security of Israel was at peril; and once peace appeared on the horizon, he was the first dove to pursue it with ardent devotion. He was a rare politician who never failed to put nation's interests before his own even at the cost of being unpopular or drawing criticism. Through his charisma, cunning and sheer force of personality, he played a key role in the initial years when the country needed alliances and allies. His efforts for peace led to the path breaking Oslo accords eventually landing him the Nobel Peace prize. The book is a lesson for anyone aspiring to make a difference in the lives of others no matter how small. It is a reminder for the reader to dream big and believe in them through to their fruition. Overall, a five star read.
August 16, 2022
I decided to read this book because someone, whose opinion I respect, told me it's worth reading. To be clear, the context was that if I ever decided to become a professor in a relatively young department and decided to help it grow, this book was worth the time. After reading this book, I agree.
So, now that you know that I went in looking for leadership lessons and not history lessons about Israel or Shimon Peres himself, let's get into why I found this book awesome. First off, Shimon Peres was an important figure in the history of Israel from its founding days to 2016. He's been an integral part of the country, serving in different roles over the years and directly influencing many policies. This is important, because in this book, he looks over his life and tries to distill important lessons for the next generation of people trying to be leaders via stories about each of the important things he tried to do. What spoke to me in this book was Peres's passion to get things done, his ability to handle so many unknowns and still calmly work towards getting things done, and his unrelenting desire to do the things he thought were in Israel's best interest. I really appreciate the work ethic combined with the intense focus.
I'm going to list some takeaways from this book:
1. Leading people requires you to understand their fears and motivations and develop a common understanding and language with them.
2. If you want to make a good impression on a boss, then don't lie, don't talk about other people, and try to have a good new idea ready for every time you meet them.
3. If you think you're right, then be willing to stand alone and weather the storm of doubts that possibly everyone around you may send your way.
4. If you're faced with two unpleasant choices in a matter, the first thing to do is to try hard to find a third, unthought-of-as-yet alternative, and then consider your options.
5. In a high stakes scenario with a time-crunch, if you don't allow people to be creative and radical with possible solutions, you're increasing the risk of failure, not decreasing it.
6. At the end of the day, everybody is given their time on earth and a choice of how they spend that time. If you want to, you can choose to spend it making a difference.
I notice something funny as I look over the takeaways I list above. They appear self-evident and simple. However, in the context of the book, after knowing what lead to those lessons and gaining a visceral understanding of why they mattered, I feel that they are more than simple words on a page. I think that is one of the strong points of this book. It made me feel these lessons rather than simply having an intellectual understanding of them.
So, now that you know that I went in looking for leadership lessons and not history lessons about Israel or Shimon Peres himself, let's get into why I found this book awesome. First off, Shimon Peres was an important figure in the history of Israel from its founding days to 2016. He's been an integral part of the country, serving in different roles over the years and directly influencing many policies. This is important, because in this book, he looks over his life and tries to distill important lessons for the next generation of people trying to be leaders via stories about each of the important things he tried to do. What spoke to me in this book was Peres's passion to get things done, his ability to handle so many unknowns and still calmly work towards getting things done, and his unrelenting desire to do the things he thought were in Israel's best interest. I really appreciate the work ethic combined with the intense focus.
I'm going to list some takeaways from this book:
1. Leading people requires you to understand their fears and motivations and develop a common understanding and language with them.
2. If you want to make a good impression on a boss, then don't lie, don't talk about other people, and try to have a good new idea ready for every time you meet them.
3. If you think you're right, then be willing to stand alone and weather the storm of doubts that possibly everyone around you may send your way.
4. If you're faced with two unpleasant choices in a matter, the first thing to do is to try hard to find a third, unthought-of-as-yet alternative, and then consider your options.
5. In a high stakes scenario with a time-crunch, if you don't allow people to be creative and radical with possible solutions, you're increasing the risk of failure, not decreasing it.
6. At the end of the day, everybody is given their time on earth and a choice of how they spend that time. If you want to, you can choose to spend it making a difference.
I notice something funny as I look over the takeaways I list above. They appear self-evident and simple. However, in the context of the book, after knowing what lead to those lessons and gaining a visceral understanding of why they mattered, I feel that they are more than simple words on a page. I think that is one of the strong points of this book. It made me feel these lessons rather than simply having an intellectual understanding of them.
July 27, 2020
The land Of Risk Takers : ISRAEL
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dream, Dream, Dream
Dreams transform into thoughts
And thoughts result in action.
- APJ Abdul Kalam
No room for small dreams, courage, imagination and the making of modern Israel, is the autobiography of Shimon Peres, and he was the former, President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and also one of the founding fathers of the state of Israel.
For more information You can visit - https://dontbignorant.in/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dream, Dream, Dream
Dreams transform into thoughts
And thoughts result in action.
- APJ Abdul Kalam
No room for small dreams, courage, imagination and the making of modern Israel, is the autobiography of Shimon Peres, and he was the former, President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and also one of the founding fathers of the state of Israel.
For more information You can visit - https://dontbignorant.in/
February 10, 2018
If there is any book i would wish my grandchildren to read, it's this one. It has the kind of realistic optimism that makes it possible to face events that cannot be controlled, and the kind of morality that makes it necessary to take responsibility and try to mediate and reverse their direction. A man who convinces you that it is imperative to endeavor to bring about a better future for everyone, he inspired me on every page.
April 2, 2022
Many parallels with modern Ukraine. Bravery, thoughtfulness, childish dreaminess, a BHAG of peace in the mind of Shimon inspired me. But decades of war...
October 3, 2022
У нас війна. Економічна криза. Крутий народ, який виборює зараз своє право на майбутнє, повагу й визнання у світі.
⠀
Багатостраждальний Ізраїль мав непростий шлях до процвітання та встановлення миру. 9-й президент #ШимонПерес, лавреат Нобелівської премії миру, 66 років із 93 років життя - при владі. Тож, він мав що розповісти у своїх мемуарах #дрібнихмрійнебуває про численні перемовини з ворогом, економічні та військові хитрощі, політичні ходи та особисті стосунки з правителями різних країн. Це книга про думки та знаходження спільної мови на тлі постійних воєн. Я вважаю, Ізраїлю банально пощастило довгий час мати в основних та запасних козирях такого миротворця, розумну та відповідальну людину правильних поглядів, а головне - віри у майбутнє. Погодьтеся, Україна твердо тримає оборону завдяки таким людям теж.
⠀
🕎 Многое было потеряно – прежде всего, жизни, – но не было никаких сомнений в том, что было получено такой ценой: контроль над собственной территорией и нашей судьбой
⠀
🕎 Когда вы маленький и слабый, вы должны спрашивать: какие инвестиции позволят вам расти? «Инвестиции» могут означать многое: время, деньги и, возможно, самое главное – сердце… страх рисковать может оказаться самым большим риском
⠀
🕎 Успех вселял в меня уверенность. Неудачи закаляли мой характер
⠀
🕎 Репутация власти есть сама власть
⠀
🕎 В работе с ядерной энергией компромисс и катастрофа – синонимы
⠀
🕎 Мы располагали только обещанием французов о поддержке – у нас было только это и мы сами
⠀
🕎 Прежде чем уничтожить государство – чем арабские народы грозили Израилю бесчисленное множество раз – страна должна обладать двумя вещами: желанием и уверенностью в том, что она имеет военное превосходство, но слухи лишили их веры в то, что они смогут нас одолеть
⠀
🕎 Я хочу услышать ваши предложения. – У нас нет предложений, – ответил один из собравшихся. – Тогда я хочу услышать предложения, которых у вас нет! – ответил я
⠀
🕎 Если эксперт говорит, что это невозможно сделать, найдите другого специалиста
⠀
🕎 Ни одна дверь не остается закрытой вечно. В Израиле, чтобы быть реалистом - нужно верить в чудеса
⠀
Багатостраждальний Ізраїль мав непростий шлях до процвітання та встановлення миру. 9-й президент #ШимонПерес, лавреат Нобелівської премії миру, 66 років із 93 років життя - при владі. Тож, він мав що розповісти у своїх мемуарах #дрібнихмрійнебуває про численні перемовини з ворогом, економічні та військові хитрощі, політичні ходи та особисті стосунки з правителями різних країн. Це книга про думки та знаходження спільної мови на тлі постійних воєн. Я вважаю, Ізраїлю банально пощастило довгий час мати в основних та запасних козирях такого миротворця, розумну та відповідальну людину правильних поглядів, а головне - віри у майбутнє. Погодьтеся, Україна твердо тримає оборону завдяки таким людям теж.
⠀
🕎 Многое было потеряно – прежде всего, жизни, – но не было никаких сомнений в том, что было получено такой ценой: контроль над собственной территорией и нашей судьбой
⠀
🕎 Когда вы маленький и слабый, вы должны спрашивать: какие инвестиции позволят вам расти? «Инвестиции» могут означать многое: время, деньги и, возможно, самое главное – сердце… страх рисковать может оказаться самым большим риском
⠀
🕎 Успех вселял в меня уверенность. Неудачи закаляли мой характер
⠀
🕎 Репутация власти есть сама власть
⠀
🕎 В работе с ядерной энергией компромисс и катастрофа – синонимы
⠀
🕎 Мы располагали только обещанием французов о поддержке – у нас было только это и мы сами
⠀
🕎 Прежде чем уничтожить государство – чем арабские народы грозили Израилю бесчисленное множество раз – страна должна обладать двумя вещами: желанием и уверенностью в том, что она имеет военное превосходство, но слухи лишили их веры в то, что они смогут нас одолеть
⠀
🕎 Я хочу услышать ваши предложения. – У нас нет предложений, – ответил один из собравшихся. – Тогда я хочу услышать предложения, которых у вас нет! – ответил я
⠀
🕎 Если эксперт говорит, что это невозможно сделать, найдите другого специалиста
⠀
🕎 Ни одна дверь не остается закрытой вечно. В Израиле, чтобы быть реалистом - нужно верить в чудеса
September 29, 2017
Not so much a memoir as a greatest hits of his life at key moments in the history of the state of Israel, it was and interesting and quick read, but not sure it is the best introduction to his life...he skims over much and simplifies, and he doesn't use this book to wrestle with or speak to what I consider the central moral questions of Israel's relations with the Palestinians, nor, beyond an eloquent assertion of hope vs despair does he address the tragedy of the failure of Oslo and Israel's turn toward the right, toward intolerance, toward acceptance of ongoing treatment of the Palestinians as second class citizens/neighbors.
That said, he was a wise man who fought for both the survival of the Jewish people and then dedicated himself to peace with his neighbors and could not have been more central at every major turning point in Israel's history.
I enjoyed it, but there are many other books I would recommend first if looking to understand the history of Israel and the peace process. (In particular: "Once upon a country" by Sari Nusseibeh for the Palestinian perspective and "My Promised Land" by Ari Shavit; on the peace processes I loved "The Process: 1,100 Days that Changed the Middle East" by Uri Savir and "Thirteen Days in September: Carter, Begin and Sadat at Camp David" by Lawrence Wright)
That said, he was a wise man who fought for both the survival of the Jewish people and then dedicated himself to peace with his neighbors and could not have been more central at every major turning point in Israel's history.
I enjoyed it, but there are many other books I would recommend first if looking to understand the history of Israel and the peace process. (In particular: "Once upon a country" by Sari Nusseibeh for the Palestinian perspective and "My Promised Land" by Ari Shavit; on the peace processes I loved "The Process: 1,100 Days that Changed the Middle East" by Uri Savir and "Thirteen Days in September: Carter, Begin and Sadat at Camp David" by Lawrence Wright)
June 27, 2020
It was a good experience and every new chapter was a new perspective. The narration was not old school where a timeline was followed . It was based on issue by issue . The author has not revealed much about the Dimona in his book but his way of potrayal is excellent.
There are some shades of narcissism (which is inevitable I believe) but the way the author has shown his pride for a country is what true nationalism is. There are some very encouraging and eye-catchy lines written to make it a perfect read . I will end with my favourite lines from the book
"It sometimes happens in life that if you are two ,you are more than two. If you are one ,then you are less than one".
There are some shades of narcissism (which is inevitable I believe) but the way the author has shown his pride for a country is what true nationalism is. There are some very encouraging and eye-catchy lines written to make it a perfect read . I will end with my favourite lines from the book
"It sometimes happens in life that if you are two ,you are more than two. If you are one ,then you are less than one".
December 31, 2022
Книгата е чудесна по отношение на информацията, която дава за създаването на цяла нова държава, за всички практически и политически трудности и почти невъзможни препятствия, пред които такава задача е изправена.
Шимон Перес е личност от най-висш порядък, почти self-made, с огромна воля, вътрешен ресурс, въображение и желание за успех.
Макар да прочетох книгата преди седмица, все още чета странични неща за държавата Израел, мандатна Палестина, Линията на уседналост, войните, които Израел води с арабските държави и много други.
Това ми е любим "послевкус" от една книга - да ми даде поне няколко нови разклонения от себе си към търсене и научаване на още информация, факти и истории.
Шимон Перес е личност от най-висш порядък, почти self-made, с огромна воля, вътрешен ресурс, въображение и желание за успех.
Макар да прочетох книгата преди седмица, все още чета странични неща за държавата Израел, мандатна Палестина, Линията на уседналост, войните, които Израел води с арабските държави и много други.
Това ми е любим "послевкус" от една книга - да ми даде поне няколко нови разклонения от себе си към търсене и научаване на още информация, факти и истории.
December 25, 2017
Shimon Peres reflects back on a lifetime of service and leadership to Israel. Great memoir that describes his childhood, his work as an up-and-coming leader in pre-state Israel, being mentored by Ben Gurion. His reflections on Israel building a nuclear reactor and his role in it are profound. The book shows him late in his career, leading Israel towards a peace process fraught with obstacles, taking over as Prime Minister when PM Rabin is murdered, and leading in building Israel as an innovator.
April 13, 2018
Encontrar personajes de esta envergadura en el mundo y en la historia de las naciones, es cercano a lo imposible. La formación de un Estado, ya de por sí es complicado, pero si sumamos a ello los retos políticos, geográficos, culturales y religiosos de Israel, es una tarea que solo personas como Peres, son capaces de soñar, liderear y conseguir.
October 21, 2020
Нэгэн аугаа зураачаас түүний уран бүтээлийг шүтэн бишрэгч нэг хүн:
-Та өөрийн бүтээлүүдээс алийг нь хамгийн сайхан зураг гэж боддог вэ? гэж асуухад, зураач түүн рүү нэг харснаа эргээд өрөөний буланд байгаа хоосон зургийн хүрээг хараад:
-Маргааш зурах зураг минь гэж хариулав.
Би ч бас тэгж хариулмаар байна,.. ^^
-Та өөрийн бүтээлүүдээс алийг нь хамгийн сайхан зураг гэж боддог вэ? гэж асуухад, зураач түүн рүү нэг харснаа эргээд өрөөний буланд байгаа хоосон зургийн хүрээг хараад:
-Маргааш зурах зураг минь гэж хариулав.
Би ч бас тэгж хариулмаар байна,.. ^^
June 20, 2021
Not a thorough autobiography, but rather a selection of Peres' "greatest hits", it is an end-of-life statement of one of the most fascinating Israeli politicians. A lot of the narrative is very personal and touching, some parts are presented from a very subjective perspective, omitting a lot of interpersonal conflicts or political failures - at various parts the book looks a bit like self-help or motivational literature. Nevertheless, Peres provides a thorough description of the processes he was a part of a lot of interesting examples of practical demonstrations of decisiveness and leadership in economic policy or pursuit of peace.
Shimon Peres was a dreamer, a hopeful, if yet sometimes naive leader who had a role in most of the crucial developments in the first seventy years of modern Israel. His leadership in military procurement, development of domestic industries, and later diplomacy were essential in turning tiny Yishuv into a local power that Israel now is - and this book is an interesting portrayal of his perspective on these processes.
Shimon Peres was a dreamer, a hopeful, if yet sometimes naive leader who had a role in most of the crucial developments in the first seventy years of modern Israel. His leadership in military procurement, development of domestic industries, and later diplomacy were essential in turning tiny Yishuv into a local power that Israel now is - and this book is an interesting portrayal of his perspective on these processes.
June 27, 2023
Peres was mostly polishing the image of himself and the Zionist occupation of Palestine. He does that through blatant lies about the status of Palestine when they first invaded in it 1948, lying about how it was a barren empty desert, lying about his direct and massive role in terrorism and the killing of civilians and Palestinian children, only accusing Palestinian resistance of that, as if he or the ODF stood by passively. But the one that made me laugh the most is this “pursuit” of peace BS. He pictures himself this peace-seeking protagonist, but in reality, he called the Gaza massacre in 2008-2009 “Israel’s finest hour”. Even the “peace agreements” he boasts about how they were such a success, which is so misleading in itself; because if anybody were to read those so called peace agreements, you’d realize that all they did was mobilize the occupation and did not give the Palestinian side a fair and right option.
This is a war criminal, not a peace maker at all.
This is a war criminal, not a peace maker at all.
December 9, 2019
Shimon Peres was a dreamer. He had the courage to pursue his dreams for Israel, despite constant opposition and backlash from his detractors. Signs of a true visionary who was determined to create peace within the region.
Peres strongly believes that peace between nations is inevitable, out of necessity rather than out of love. He had incredible foresight, pioneering many initiatives: the IDF, the strategy of nuclear ambiguity, multiple peace agreements between its neighbouring Arab nations, Israel as a Start-Up Nation. These paved the path for innovative excellence and Israel as a technological hub with a booming economy today, despite its poor geopolitical location and limited natural resources.
The stories told were riveting. They also revealed many lessons to be learnt with regards to politics. Peres is truly an extraordinary character who dedicated his entire life to build a better place for his country, and arguably for the world.
Peres strongly believes that peace between nations is inevitable, out of necessity rather than out of love. He had incredible foresight, pioneering many initiatives: the IDF, the strategy of nuclear ambiguity, multiple peace agreements between its neighbouring Arab nations, Israel as a Start-Up Nation. These paved the path for innovative excellence and Israel as a technological hub with a booming economy today, despite its poor geopolitical location and limited natural resources.
The stories told were riveting. They also revealed many lessons to be learnt with regards to politics. Peres is truly an extraordinary character who dedicated his entire life to build a better place for his country, and arguably for the world.
December 15, 2019
great man. indeed
January 18, 2024
J'ai vraiment beaucoup aimé ce livre. Même si la lecture nécessite de la concentration j'ai énormément appris sur la politique israélienne et sur des évènements rarement abordés.
January 17, 2021
A visionary, a pacifist, an optimist, a leader. One of the best leaders of the 20th century.
October 14, 2021
Learned a lot about important moments in the development of modern day Israel from this highly regarded Statesman. He shared a lot of leadership lessons and personal learnings, and took us on a remarkable journey of his life’s work and passions.
December 26, 2020
I am a big fan of Shimon Peres! He is probably one of those rare people I really admire! Beautifully written, super galvanizing... Anyone who identifies as an optimistic leader or aspires to become one MUST read this!
August 31, 2022
What a book! And what a perfect time to read it (applicable to Ukrainians in midst of the war and with big hopes for the future)! This man together with others built a great country, possessed a lot of wisdom and his whole life was longing for a peace; and he shares his views, wisdom, hopes and dreams in this book. Definitely must read!
November 24, 2017
Surprising and inspiring story of the making of Israel through the eyes of one of its key, formative statesmen. The historical events that Peres illuminates from his position as one of their planners and shapers, are fascinating. And that history is a powerful corrective to today's rampant anti-Israeli and, frankly, anti-Semitic, rhetoric, reminding us that Israel's proposals for a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians have been repeatedly rebuffed by a people who wanted no solution that did not annihilate the Jewish Israeli state and its people as a whole.
Peres' own determination, vision, and fortitude in the face of the many philosophical and existential challenges to the fledgling nation are inspiring. Few of us have the opportunity or equivalent ability to spend our lives in the service of such a large and powerful project as the creation of Israel. But we can all be inspired by this story to dream large, to dream true, and to commit ourselves to pursuing our dreams, despite the disbelief and hostility we may face from others.
Here's just one inspiring quote from the book:
I was once asked by the founder of a young start-up what I thought was the most important lesson I'd learned about innovation through the years. "It's a complicated question," I admitted., "but I will give you a simple answer. Israel was born so Jews could finally cultivate their land with their own hands. But the most important thing to remember is that we depended more upon our brain than our muscle. We learned that the treasures hidden in ourselves are far greater than anything that can be found in the ground."
We all have wisdom and treasures within ourselves. This book is not only a fascinating history of modern Israel but also a call to each of us to look within and to exercise our own true wisdom to shape better lives for ourselves, and the world.
Peres' own determination, vision, and fortitude in the face of the many philosophical and existential challenges to the fledgling nation are inspiring. Few of us have the opportunity or equivalent ability to spend our lives in the service of such a large and powerful project as the creation of Israel. But we can all be inspired by this story to dream large, to dream true, and to commit ourselves to pursuing our dreams, despite the disbelief and hostility we may face from others.
Here's just one inspiring quote from the book:
I was once asked by the founder of a young start-up what I thought was the most important lesson I'd learned about innovation through the years. "It's a complicated question," I admitted., "but I will give you a simple answer. Israel was born so Jews could finally cultivate their land with their own hands. But the most important thing to remember is that we depended more upon our brain than our muscle. We learned that the treasures hidden in ourselves are far greater than anything that can be found in the ground."
We all have wisdom and treasures within ourselves. This book is not only a fascinating history of modern Israel but also a call to each of us to look within and to exercise our own true wisdom to shape better lives for ourselves, and the world.
October 25, 2018
This book moves quickly through Peres's life, beginning with his youth and immigration to Mandatory Palestine. It then moves through a series of successes that Peres achieved in his life ("the decisions that made Israel great"): the founding of Israel, the establishment of a nuclear program, Operation Entebbe, the privatization of the Israeli economy and the growth of tech startups, and the Oslo accords. The book is clearly written and vividly describes important and heart-wrenching scenes. Because it goes down so easily, it could be read by younger readers. At the same time, you might not want to give it to younger readers because of its unabashedly triumphalist tone and the deceptive simplicity of Peres's story. Peres never really discusses the complexities of Israeli politics or Israel/Palestine, glossing over the most important -- but perhaps less flattering -- aspects of his life. As a result, this is not really a good book for readers trying to get a full picture of Peres and the times and issues he lived through. Peres's theory of leadership is also not really much of a theory -- it boils down to "work hard and dream big". But in the end he does, almost despite himself, give us enough detail to get a sense of what made Peres a successful diplomat, politician, and manager: A hard-headed realism, a willingness to accurately assess risk, and an desire to take chances which might succeed, even if conventional wisdom doesn't think highly of them. If you want a detailed and even-handed biography of Peres, I'd suggest you look elsewhere. If you want to read the nicest things that anyone has ever said of Peres, then this is the book for you!
October 11, 2022
Ця історія про становлення й життєвий шлях Шимона Переса, людини що безперестанку мріяв про могутню Держива Ізраїль й завжди вірив в чудо. Він не складав руки, навіть коли все навколо було проти. Проте саме зусиллями цієї людини й постав Ізраїль з найліпшою у світі медициною і кількістю стартапів, що перевищує їх число навіть у Кремнієвій долині.
Це біографічна книга не лише про Шимона Переса, видатного політика й прем’єр міністра Держави Ізраїль, а про становлення країни й боротьбу за право самоідентифікації, за право існування.
Євреї жили у вигнанні дві тисячі років, без землі, без незалежності. Що допомогло врешті не зупинитися в боротьбі за можливість знайти свій дім? Їх тримали разом не кордони, а простий набір цінностей, які не змінювалися віками — іврит, їдиш, мова ладіно — кожна мова кожної країни, де мешкали євреї. Це основа їх ідентичності.
Питання миру завжди стояло на повістці дня Ізраїлю, тож війна супроводжувала державу з першого дня проголошення незалежності.
Й саме думки Шимона Переса зараз мені дуже відгукуються, наприклад:
«Через біль і нещастя ми засвоїли дуже важкий урок — урок про те, чого коштує ворожість і що її спричиняє.»
«Поступитися вимогам терористів означає дозволити їм дедалі висувати вимоги. Коли лідерам доводиться мати справу з терористами, розумно було б пам'ятати, що коли в тебе пістолет біля скроні, ти не пере-мовник — ти заручник.»
«Герої на фронті були серцем боротьби, а штаб — її мозком.»
Книжка цікава, мотивуюча, торкається важливих питань. Й головне, дає надію й аргументацію вірити.
Це біографічна книга не лише про Шимона Переса, видатного політика й прем’єр міністра Держави Ізраїль, а про становлення країни й боротьбу за право самоідентифікації, за право існування.
Євреї жили у вигнанні дві тисячі років, без землі, без незалежності. Що допомогло врешті не зупинитися в боротьбі за можливість знайти свій дім? Їх тримали разом не кордони, а простий набір цінностей, які не змінювалися віками — іврит, їдиш, мова ладіно — кожна мова кожної країни, де мешкали євреї. Це основа їх ідентичності.
Питання миру завжди стояло на повістці дня Ізраїлю, тож війна супроводжувала державу з першого дня проголошення незалежності.
Й саме думки Шимона Переса зараз мені дуже відгукуються, наприклад:
«Через біль і нещастя ми засвоїли дуже важкий урок — урок про те, чого коштує ворожість і що її спричиняє.»
«Поступитися вимогам терористів означає дозволити їм дедалі висувати вимоги. Коли лідерам доводиться мати справу з терористами, розумно було б пам'ятати, що коли в тебе пістолет біля скроні, ти не пере-мовник — ти заручник.»
«Герої на фронті були серцем боротьби, а штаб — її мозком.»
Книжка цікава, мотивуюча, торкається важливих питань. Й головне, дає надію й аргументацію вірити.
October 12, 2017
Officially honest dishonesty
I thought of the title for this review after reading the Dimona chapter. I mean, even after Mordechai Vanunu spilled ALL the beans, or as much as he could about the reality of Israel having nukes, Peres can still stand there and say "nuclear ambiguity."
From a US perspective, sadly (but not surprisingly), Barack Obama rewarded this by giving a nuclear proliferator the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
And, Peres, besides not even mentioning Vanunu's name, "overlooks" that it was while he was Prime Minister, shortly before swapping roles with Shamir, that Vanunu was drugged, kidnapped and taken back to Israel. He ignores Vanunu's repeated post-parole re-arrests on bogus charges.
Only the fact that he can so bald-faced lie, along with a few other tidbits about his life, keep this from a 1-star rating.
I thought of the title for this review after reading the Dimona chapter. I mean, even after Mordechai Vanunu spilled ALL the beans, or as much as he could about the reality of Israel having nukes, Peres can still stand there and say "nuclear ambiguity."
From a US perspective, sadly (but not surprisingly), Barack Obama rewarded this by giving a nuclear proliferator the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
And, Peres, besides not even mentioning Vanunu's name, "overlooks" that it was while he was Prime Minister, shortly before swapping roles with Shamir, that Vanunu was drugged, kidnapped and taken back to Israel. He ignores Vanunu's repeated post-parole re-arrests on bogus charges.
Only the fact that he can so bald-faced lie, along with a few other tidbits about his life, keep this from a 1-star rating.
August 19, 2019
Shimon Peres’ “No Room for Small Dreams” is a truly gripping autobiography of a founding father of the state of Israel, and brief history of Israel itself. Peres is a talented writer who lived these experiences, experiences that gave life and stability to a new country; a country for an ancient people who had been exiled from their homeland for 2000 years - stateless until 1948 as a people, despite enduring Faith and culture. Quite independent of one’s own personal history (ethnicity, Faith or culture), one cannot help but be moved by Peres’ account. This is a book that is hard to put down. It is enlightening and astonishingly deep, while retaining a humble calm that makes one feel the warmth and convictions of the man to his people - past, present and most importantly future. Truly inspirational. 5 unreserved stars; a must read!
March 17, 2018
Many people live history but very few shape history and especially shape the history of there people and countries. This is what Shimon Peres has done he has shaped history he had the vision to see into the future of Israel form a very poor country with enemies on all sides wanting it destroyed. With only very few arms when it became a nation to now being one of the best militaries in the world. Form wars to looking for peace with its neighbours. Which some inside Israel and especially without don’t want or are afraid of. Form being the first countries to start using computers to being one of the major start-up computer technologies startups around the world second only to silicon valley. A very good read and an insight into the man and the country he served for so long.
November 16, 2017
What an inspiration this story is and this man was. I could not put this down once I started reading it. The abundance of unbelievable tales he tells is almost overwhelming. I think opponents of his worldview would do themselves some good by reading this. He is heroic in his ability to change his mind; moving from a socialist to a capitalist; building Israel into a military state in order to enact peace; and allowing for the passage of the old guard and the embrace of the new. If I can be 1/100 of the man he was I will feel my life was worth it.
His message and warning about nationalism and the rising tide of fear is probably apt as well.
His message and warning about nationalism and the rising tide of fear is probably apt as well.
January 26, 2019
The recounting of Shimon Peres’ life is a snapshot history of Israel. He never failed to think out of the box and thanks to him, Israel got its air force and air industry, obtained its nuclear reactor in Dimona, had the guts to stage the successful raid on Entebbe, began its successful foray into high tech, and negotiated the Oslo agreement. His success is primarily due to his early adoption by his mentor, Ben Gurion who along with Peres was an optimist but also a realist. The book is exceptionally well written for someone whose native language was not English and despite his achievements is quite modest.
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