David Ben-Gurion born David Grün; 16 October 1886 – 1 December 1973, was the primary national founder of the State of Israel and the first Prime Minister of Israel.
The book is an account of the life of Ben Gurion (B.G) based on the personal diary of B.G., his personal archives, public archives, and the interviews of various people who had worked with B.G. at different points.
This edition of the book was published after the death of Ben Gurion and other lead characters; hence the author had more liberty in writing about their personal affairs. The access to personal diaries perhaps also helps in casting a better light on the events.
It is note-worthy, Michael Bar Zohar has tried to put a balanced perspective to B.G. life. He starts with the struggles of the young B.G. from eleven years of age to the peak when the country was established; the height of his power, and subsequent decline (perhaps due to age). The author has highlighted the good, the bad and the ugly aspect of B.G., which makes it exciting and brings it more credibility.
Meanwhile, the book's emphasis at different stages of B.G.’s life is also even, although, on a standalone basis, readers may wish for an uneven book. Close to half the book is dedicated to his rise as a leader all the way to becoming the first prime minister. Approximately, 40% of the book is his time as the Prime Minister, defence minister and the time until he lost the plot.
While reading the life of an extraordinary person; readers tend to focus on both phases of life, the struggle that led to becoming and the details from the golden era of the icon. Reading ‘Ben Gurion: The New Millennium Edition’, readers are exposed to many perspectives till B.G. becomes the Prime Minister. For example, as a young man, he wanted to change the Ottoman Empire from within and establish the nation of Zion as a state within the empire. When he became the leader, before establishing the country he had considered the option of treating all citizens alike, Arabs and Jews. Once, he realised that the Arabs will never agree to live with Jews in peace; he firmed his view on constituting a country for Jews only. But the book also leaves many questions unanswered; what were B.G.’s thoughts on education, industries, jobs, youth while he was in the government.
It seems the highlight of his premiership was the establishment of the state. Since the world & concept was based on the life of a race/religious inkling, it was inevitable that there would be a war all along; hence the book ends up detailing the battles with the Arabs and the meetings with the head of states of France, Germany, and the USA.
Despite all of there are many takeaways from reading B.G.’s life, they are as follows.
- One should be ambitious and set broad goals. The attainment will only happen if we work out in small steps. Have grand aims but be practical. Being visionary is easy, but the realisation requires effort, dedication and patience.
- Focus on the details of the plan and prepare every day to grasp that one moment of opportunity when it comes your way.
- Each crisis should be used as an opportunity, and instead of aiming to revert to status quo, individuals should strive to utilise it to their best interest or larger goals. Leadership requires being decisive in the face of chaos and fear.
- Reading is essential; interacting with experts in various fields is critical to broadening your horizon. It’s not necessary to agree with everything just because you respect them. Sometimes, disagreeing is also essential.
- Eventually, age catches up with everyone, don’t believe in immortality. If the reaction has slowed down perhaps its time to retire and move out. Let the new generation take up the charge of the organisation and let them fulfil larger goals.
- Write your thoughts to cross-check the understanding of facts at a later date. It is not necessary that the outcome is to your liking. But this habit will enforce you to think through before putting up an opinion.
- Aiming to serve the state or people is not so easy, the sacrifices will be high. And at the top, you would be mostly alone.
Apparently, these were some of the learnings I could think of while reading the book. Feel free to add more to this list. All in all, it's a book one should add to their reading list among the biographies and interest in History means that you must read it.
Link to purchase the book --
https://www.amazon.in/Ben-Gurion-new-millennium-Michael-Bar-Zohar/dp/9659048203
