39 Quotes by Abba Eban

Playing the game I have learned the meaning of humility. It has given me an understanding of futility of the human effort.

You can't achieve anything without getting in someone's way. You can't be detached and effective.

Israel is not an aviary.

Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

Nobody does Israel any service by proclaiming its 'right to exist.' Israel's right to exist, like that of the United States, Saudi Arabia and 152 other states, is axiomatic and unreserved. Israel's legitimacy is not suspended in midair awaiting acknowledgement.... There is certainly no other state, big or small, young or old, that would consider mere recognition of its 'right to exist' a favor, or a negotiable concession.

Time and again these governments have rejected proposals today, and longed for them tomorrow

When I was first here, we had the advantages of the underdog. Now we have the disadvantages of the overdog.

Science is not a sacred cow. Science is a horse. Don’t worship it. Feed it.

You can’t achieve anything without getting in someone’s way. You can’t be detached and effective.