Starbucks, Dell, Facebook, Google, Levi’s, Baskin Rabbins—all founded by Jews and currently led by Jews. Let alone these prominent business tycoons, it takes up 22 percent of total Nobel Prize winners, 23 percent of total Ivy leagues’ students, and 40 percent of American billionaire. Considering their percentage in world population, which is 0.25 percent, these achievements are just unbelievable. On November 25, former Israel ambassador Ma Young Sam stood at Hana Square multimedia room to unravel the secret.

 

   
▲ Ambassador Ma Young Sam after the lecture. Photographed by Kang Sang Ji.

Israel is full of wonders. Female, as well as male, must serve the army for two years. After serving the military service, at the age of 24 or 25, they take a trip to foreign nations for a year to expand their horizon. Only then do they head for a “college.” Armed with bountiful experience and keen eyes that resist passive compliance, they are ready to hit the books.

What he pinpointed as a secret was simple—carefree school ambience where difference is encouraged, rather than stifled, was the core. Adding to this open cultural background, he also noted the importance of parental care. When dining, parents throw a question and children provide variety of answers. When it is time for Jewish kids to go to bed, parents bring out storybook and read aloud till their kids fall asleep.

One of the lessons that he emphasized lingers; “the Jewish secret is simple. Stop filling your brain with knowledge. Take a rest and put your brain at ease. And be different from the rest of others. Above all, enjoy. Only then does your creativity sprout.”

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