It is not the literal past, the "facts" of history, that shape us, but images of the past embodied in read more

It is not the literal past, the "facts" of history, that shape us, but images of the past embodied in language.

God cannot alter the past, though historians can.

God cannot alter the past, though historians can.

There is no wisdom equal to that which comes after the event.

There is no wisdom equal to that which comes after the event.

We learn nothing from history except that we learn nothing from history.

We learn nothing from history except that we learn nothing from history.

Tyranny destroys or strengthens the individual; freedom enervates him, until he becomes no more than a puppet. Man has more read more

Tyranny destroys or strengthens the individual; freedom enervates him, until he becomes no more than a puppet. Man has more chances of saving himself by hell than by paradise.

History would be wonderful thing - if it were only true.

History would be wonderful thing - if it were only true.

Just as philosophy is the study of other people's misconceptions, so history is the study of other people's mistakes.

Just as philosophy is the study of other people's misconceptions, so history is the study of other people's mistakes.

Yesterday is a canceled check: Forget it. Tomorrow is a promissory note: Don't count on it. Today is ready cash: read more

Yesterday is a canceled check: Forget it. Tomorrow is a promissory note: Don't count on it. Today is ready cash: Use it!

The historian sees backward. In the end he also believes backward.

The historian sees backward. In the end he also believes backward.