History quotes

History

1.6K quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.

1.6K quotes

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History quotes (page 20 of 82)

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Anton Chekhov Playwright, Short Story Writer
History

"Humankind has understood history as a series of battles because, to this day, it regards conflict as the central facet of life."

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Arthur Conan Doyle Writer, Physician
History

"It seems very strange ... that in the course of the world's history so obvious an improvement should never have been adopted. ... The next generation of Britishers would be the better for having had this extra hour of daylight in their childhood."

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William James Philosopher, Psychologist
History

"Our minds thus grow in spots; and like grease-spots, the spots spread. But we let them spread as little as possible: we keep unaltered as much of our old knowledge, as many of our old prejudices and beliefs, as we can. We patch and tinker more than we renew. The novelty soaks in; it stains the ancient mass; but it is also tinged by what absorbs it."

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Thomas Jefferson Politician, Founding Father
History

"History has informed us that bodies of men as well as individuals are susceptible of the spirit of tyranny."

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Francis Bacon Philosopher, Statesman
History

"It is the true office of history to represent the events themselves, together with the counsels, and to leave the observations and conclusions thereupon to the liberty and faculty of every man's judgment"

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Henry Adams Historian
History

"My own conclusion is that history is simply social development along the lines of weakest resistance, and that in most cases the line of weakest resistance is found as unconsciously by society as by water."

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Friedrich Nietzsche Philosopher, Writer
History

"Every fact and every work exercises a fresh persuasion over every age and every new species of man. History always enunciates new truths."

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Martin Luther Theologian
History

"When God wants to speak and deal with us, he does not avail himself of an angel but of parents, or the pastor, or of our neighbor."

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Hugh Miller Geologist, Author
History

"All geologic history is full of the beginning and the ends of species-of their first and last days; but it exhibits no genealogies of development."

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