Why is it that Ahad Ha-4Am failed to attain political predominance within the Zionist movement of his time?1 For some reason this question has not been addressed by scholars, who have accepted Ahad Ha-4Am's protestations of "non-alliance" at face value ? his desire to appear before the public as an apolitical figure, an intellectual, a commentator on Jewish events, literature, and philosophy.2 It would not be an exaggeration to say that, over time, he achieved the status of teacher and prophet in the eyes of his followers. His opinions on both secular and religious issues were eagerly sought and his writings well received.3 But his biography belies the claim that this was all he aspired to. Ahad Ha-4Am was always in the eye of the political storm, active in struggles and political intrigues and in search of positions of power and influence. What prevented him from achieving political leadership? This is the question we shall explore below.