The Genius of Israel

The Surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World

By: Dan Senor, Saul Singer

Narrated by: Dan Senor

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * How has a small nation of 9 million people, forced to fight for its existence and security since its founding and riven by ethnic, religious, and economic divides, proven resistant to so many of the societal ills plaguing other wealthy democracies?

Why do Israelis have among the world’s highest life expectancies and lowest rates of “deaths of despair” from suicide and substance abuse? Why is Israel’s population young and growing while all other wealthy democracies are aging and shrinking? How can it be that Israel, according to a United Nations ranking, is the fourth happiest nation in the world? Why do Israelis tend to look to the future with hope, optimism, and purpose while the rest of the West struggles with an epidemic of loneliness, teen depression, and social decline?

Dan Senor and Saul Singer, the writers behind the international bestseller Start-Up Nation, have long been students of the global innovation race. But as they spent time with Israel’s entrepreneurs and political leaders, soldiers and students, scientists and activists, ultra-Orthodox Jews, Tel Aviv techies, and Israeli Arabs, they realized that they had missed what really sets Israel apart.

Moving from military commanders integrating at-risk youth and people who are neurodiverse into national service, to high performing companies making space for working parents, from dreamers and innovators launching a duct-taped spacecraft to the moon, to bringing better health solutions to people around the world, The Genius of Israel tells the story of a diverse people and society built around the values of service, solidarity, and belonging.

Widely admired for having the world’s highest density of high-tech start-ups, Israel’s greatest innovation may not be a technology at all, but Israeli society itself. Understanding how a country facing so many challenges can be among the happiest provides surprising insights into how we can confront the crisis of community, human connectedness, and purpose in modern life.

Bold, timely, and insightful, Senor and Singer’s latest work shines an important light on the impressive innovative distinctions of Israeli society—and what other communities and countries can learn.

©2021 Dan Senor and Saul Singer (P)2021 Simon & Schuster Audio

The Timing Couldn’t be Better

This book should be required reading for the many Israel haters. It is also a blueprint for the world’s leaders for how to have a successful society.

the genius of Israel

The authors know everything worth knowing about their subject, therefore write with a clarity and impact that gives the presentation deep roots. They gave me the relevant information so current, that I feel informed enough to understand the real context of current events. I lived there for a time and they accurately portray the life and people of Israel succinctly. Essentially required reading for anyone trying to forecast what’s next for Jerusalem and how that might affect life here,

Off benefits

Interesting analysis on the people of Israeli and what has been accomplished in high tech & medicine

Inspiration For The World

There were so many aspects of Israeli life discussed. It was thoughtful and thought provoking. Such an inclusive country that pulls together to solve life’s challenges. I think the word is Family.

Very insightful of what makes Israel Israel

The authors explore various aspects of Israeli society helping paint a detailed picture of what makes it a very unique and successful country. it is written in a very accessible style and doesn't go into boring details. Chapter 2 on the integration of individuals with autism into the army and then the workforce is one of the best parts of this book.

The amazing unity of a nation with a common goal—to enjoy life.

Well researched, and an easy listen. Surely a book to recommend to my friends and foes.

Insightful look into Israel

A great description of a society often misunderstood. Made me incredibly homesick, even having lived in Israel a short time.

Excellent book about Israel

Great book that talks about history, culture, business, society and unity in Israel. Very recommended!

Just the dose of thoughtful optimism Israel supporters need now

With anti Israel mobs capturing headlines, “The Genius of Israel” provides inspirational insights into what makes the Jewish State so special.

Deep analysis on a topic that the writers know well

I enjoyed the topic as well as the performance. Easy narration to understand and listen to.