The Green Book: Gaddafi's Quirky Manifesto

Ben Crowley

Nov. 7, 2024

Muammar Gaddafi, the enigmatic Libyan leader who ruled from 1969 until his overthrow in 2011, is often remembered for his eccentric personality and bizarre policies. One of the most notable products of his rule is The Green Book , a political manifesto that lays out Gaddafi’s vision for a new form of governance, which he termed “Islamic Socialism”. While the book is serious in its intent, it contains some rather humorous elements that reflect Gaddafi’s unique worldview.

Background of The Green Book

Published in three parts in the 1970s, The Green Book was intended as a guide for Libyans and anyone interested in Gaddafi’s philosophy. It was intended to provide a “Third Way” between Western Capitalism and Communism. It is divided into three sections: The Solution of the Problem of Democracy, The Solution of the Economic Problem, and The Social Basis of the Third Universal Theory. Gaddafi aimed to establish a direct democracy, where people would have direct control over their political lives, eliminating the need for traditional political parties, which he viewed as corrupt and divisive.

Political ideals of The Green Book

One of the most striking features of The Green Book is its blend of serious political theory with absurdity. Gaddafi’s definition of democracy, for example, was both intriguing and perplexing. He dismissed traditional elected representative democracy in favour of what he called “people’s committees”, a form of direct governance, which of course would be elected. However, the way he described this system sometimes bordered on the ridiculous. Gaddafi imagined a society where citizens would participate in endless discussions in committees – leading some to wonder if anyone would ever get anything done amid the chaos of perpetual meetings.

Another humorous aspect is Gaddafi's ideas on women and family. He advocated for women’s rights but presented his arguments in a way that could be seen as contradictory. In one passage, he suggested that women should be liberated from traditional roles, only to later propose that women remain at home to raise children while men work. This juxtaposition often left readers scratching their heads.

One of the more humorous quotes from Gaddafi's The Green Book comes from his discussion on democracy. He famously claimed that "the people should practice direct democracy", but then added, “Democracy is a system that can be understood only by a few”. This contradiction highlights the absurdity of his vision for governance, suggesting that while he wanted everyone to participate, he believed only a select few could grasp its complexities.

When he discusses personal wealth, he states that "wealth is a social trust", yet he lived a lifestyle that was anything but communal. This showed disconnect between his ideals and his reality.

Personal ideals of The Green Book

Gaddafi also infused The Green Book with personal anecdotes and peculiar observations. For instance, he expressed a profound disdain for the concept of personal wealth, arguing that money should be distributed equally among the population. Yet, in his own life, he amassed a considerable fortune, raising eyebrows and provoking laughter at the hypocrisy of his stance. This disconnect between ideology and practice was emblematic of Gaddafi’s reign.

One of the more bizarre claims in The Green Book involved the concept of “the Great Man-Made River”, a massive project intended to supply water across Libya. Gaddafi touted it as a symbol of national pride and innovation. However, he likened it to a kind of “liquid gold”, which sparked ridicule as many found it hard to take the comparison seriously.

Worshipping the Green Book

Gaddafi’s regime organized events that promoted the ideas from The Green Book . This included public rallies, lectures, and community gatherings where officials would read from the book and discuss its principles. These events were designed to reinforce Gaddafi's ideology and keep the population engaged with his vision.

In schools and universities, The Green Book was incorporated into the curriculum. Students were often required to study it, leading to discussions (and sometimes debates) about its content. This influenced the way young Libyans viewed politics, governance, and their role in society.

State media frequently referenced The Green Book , promoting Gaddafi’s ideas as the foundation of Libyan identity. This constant exposure shaped public perception and attitudes, making the book a key part of everyday life.

Policies derived from the principles in The Green Book affected everyday life, including property rights and economic practices. Gaddafi's ideas about wealth distribution and social trust influenced how resources were allocated and how businesses operated, often leading to inefficiencies.

The book contributed to the cult of personality surrounding Gaddafi. His quotes and ideas became embedded in everyday discourse, with citizens often expected to express loyalty to his vision, impacting social interactions and relationships.

But there's plenty more to Gaddafi than just his Green Book - have a read about some others of our favourite facts about him in our Weird Facts about Libya under Gaddafi blog.