Golda Meir

Israeli Prime Minister

Modern influential 88 sayings

Sayings by Golda Meir

To be successful, a woman has to be much better than a man.

1970s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't think there's any difference between a man and a woman in politics, except that a woman has to work harder to prove herself.

1970s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

We will have peace with the Arabs only when they love their children more than they hate us.

1973 — Television interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The Jewish people have a right to live in their own land, in their own state, like any other people.

1970s — Speech to the United Nations
Controversial Unverifiable

We do not believe in the use of force. We believe in the use of intelligence.

1970s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

If we have to choose between being wise and being foolish, we'd rather be wise.

1970s — Reported
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not interested in being a symbol. I am interested in doing my job.

1970s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I would rather be right than popular.

1970s — Reported by aides
Controversial Unverifiable

We have to be strong, because if we are not strong, we will be destroyed.

1970s — Speech
Controversial Unverifiable

Don't be so humble, you're not that great.

Undated — General statement, often used to address individuals.
Humorous Confirmed

Whether women are better than men I cannot say – but I can say they are certainly no worse.

Undated — General statement on gender equality.
Humorous Unverifiable

Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you're aboard, there's nothing you can do. You can't stop the plane, you can't stop the storm, you can't stop time. So one might as well accept it calmly, wisely.

1972 — Interview discussing aging.
Humorous Unverifiable

If there's to be a curfew, let the men stay home, not the women.

Undated — During a Cabinet discussion about assaults on women at night, in response to a suggestion for women'…
Humorous Unverifiable

Being seventy is no sin, but it's not a joke either.

1969 — Upon becoming Prime Minister at the age of 70.
Humorous Unverifiable

If I were an Egyptian, I would kiss you also.

1974 (during negotiations) — To Henry Kissinger, who complained that Egyptian President Sadat hugged and kissed him, but in Israe…
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't know — I've never tried to be a man.

Undated — In response to being asked if she felt limited as a woman in government.
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a Palestinian. From '21 until '48, I carried a Palestinian passport.

Undated, referring to 1921-1948 — General statement, referencing her time living in British Mandate Palestine.
Humorous Unverifiable

Fashion is an imposition, a reign on freedom.

Undated — General opinion on fashion.
Humorous Unverifiable

The dog that trots about finds a bone.

Undated — General proverb, expressing a practical outlook.
Humorous Unverifiable

It's no accident many accuse me of conducting public affairs with my heart instead of my head. Well, what if I do? Those who don't know how to weep with their whole heart don't know how to laugh either.

Undated — General statement, reflecting on her emotional approach to leadership.
Humorous Unverifiable