Column: The True Story of David and Goliath

One of the must-sees when coming to Florence is a visit to the Accademia Gallery to see the world-famous statue of David in person. A masterpiece by Michelangelo.

Before arriving at the original David, you will pass other sculptures that were never finished. They are called i prigioni (the prisoners). It seems as if the statues are trying to break free from the marble and the closer you get to the David, the better they have succeeded.

After this fascinating preparation, seeing the mighty great perfect David with his oversized hands and extremely calm arrogant demeanor is something very special. It really made a deep impression on me.

Battle between unequals

Now much has been written about David's battle and we all know how fantastic it is that this little young man has defeated the dangerous giant. David symbolizes the battle between unequals won by the weaker.

But are we sure that this is correct? Of course you already feel wet… and rightly so!

I heard the story of journalist Malcolm Gladwell who went to find out and research the whole David-Goliath story and guess what… The giant was suffering from a disease and because of that he had grown so big. He was not only tall, but also stiff and visually impaired, which is part of this disease.

So David took on a sick and partially sighted man. That changes the hero story a bit.

David was in favor

David also had a slingshot, which is not a slingshot but a much more dangerous weapon that with a little practice is equivalent to the firepower of a pistol (the speed with which you can throw a stone with a sling is equal to that of a projectile from a gun).

So David had in his hands a very advanced and deadly weapon and was able to handle it well. Moreover, the stone he hurled away with it was no ordinary stone, but barium sulphate with twice as much mass as stone.

So it was indeed an unequal battle according to Gladwell, but contrary to popular belief, the battle was strongly against Goliath.

Turn the world upside down!

However, the fact that you have to view the image (and then of course the original in the Accademia) simply remains.

Do not you believe me? Below is Gladwell's TEDTalk, who can tell it a lot better and in more detail than I can. The video lasts 15 minutes.