Most history is a record of the triumphs, disasters, and follies of top people. The black hole in it is read more

Most history is a record of the triumphs, disasters, and follies of top people. The black hole in it is the way of life of mute, inglorious men and women who make no nuisance of themselves in the world.

One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever read more

One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.

The reign of Antoninus is marked by the rare advantage of
furnishing very few materials for history, which is read more

The reign of Antoninus is marked by the rare advantage of
furnishing very few materials for history, which is indeed little
more than the register of the crimes, and misfortunes of mankind.

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

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

People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them.

People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them.

God cannot alter the past, though historians can.

God cannot alter the past, though historians can.

A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil.

A truly American sentiment recognizes the dignity of labor and the fact that honor lies in honest toil.

The greatest inventions were produced in the times of ignorance, as the use of the compass, gunpowder, and printing.

The greatest inventions were produced in the times of ignorance, as the use of the compass, gunpowder, and printing.

We will hereafter believe less history than ever, now that we have seen how it is made.

We will hereafter believe less history than ever, now that we have seen how it is made.