The premise of the book itself is interesting in its own right. The question the authors ask is how is it possible that a tiny little state in hostile territory has created an inordinate amount of new technologies and start up companies in such a short history? While one could certainly have a theological approach to a Jewish State, the authors decide to try to explain the factors that have practically created this burgeoning of innovation in the State of Israel. They theorize that it is a combination of factors, but most prominently the Israeli chutzpah and forthrightness that we all love is the reason for the success. While in America, people are willing to fall in line and wait their turn, an Israeli will stand up for what he thinks and will not care about rank or turn. This allows for more innovation because people are always willing to think for themselves rather than listening to their superior. Recently, I was speaking to an elderly jewish woman who had just gone to Israel for the first time. She was discussing how she really did not enjoy her time there because of the “lack of manners” Israelis had. Ironically, she didn’t know that the other two people I was sitting with were from Israel. While I always thought that the great positive of the Israeli chutzpah was that it in fact helped the creation of a state despite all the hostilities from many sides. The innovation it creates is an ongoing positive aspect of this nature. Perhaps this is something that we must all take into account. There is a fine line between respect for others and making sure what needs to happen happens. Maybe sometimes Israelis are too forward, but it has created a culture that is able to continue furthering itself positively. It is in those places that are known to be nice and respectful that many times innovation is absent. The authors posit many other factors to the generation of so many start up companies. The army culture, the rosh gadol mentality (yes, they actually use those words), and the continuos influx of entrepreneuring immigrants have all created the perfect place to produce all these great start ups. In order to show all these things the authors tie in many anecdotes to their research to make their points.
The major problem of the book was the seeming scientific viability oft their arguments. While their answers seem to be true, the authors rarely prove causation. While correlation certainly exists, the question as to which of these qualities has led to the situation we have today (so that it can be reproduced elsewhere) is left unknown. Perhaps, if any one of the circumstances the book talks about is missing Israel would still have the economy it has today. The authors many time try to prove their points by use of anecdote. While they are both insightful and interesting, they can in no way prove the facts they are trying to. Surely, one could easily find similar stories in any country in the world. To that extent the book seems to lean into the realm of publicity. So, while it was a really interesting read and perhaps all of the arguments made are true, as they all make sense, it is hard to say that the question that was offered at the beginning of the book was truly answered.
In any event, I still find the question to be the most important part of the book. The ability to create the economy that exists in Israel despite such great odds before and since the creation of the state is remarkable. It makes me prouder to be a Jew, and especially a Jew that stands by Israel.
Next week: Studies in Talmudic Logic and Methodology by Louis Jacobs
