historical insights Quotes

One of the most important reasons for studying history is that virtually every stupid idea that is in vogue today has been tried before and proved disastrous before, time and again.

Is the only lesson of history to be that mankind is unteachable?

The lessons of history teach us - if the lessons of history teach us anything - that nobody learns the lessons that history teaches us.

To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open a book that tells of her past.

The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things rotten through and through, to avoid.

Studying the past may suggest new ways of going wrong.

Learning preserves the errors of the past as well as its wisdom.

Learn from the past and share your experiences with others.

It's important to learn the right lessons from the past.

Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research. And when you see that you've got problems, all you have to do is examine the historic method used all over the world by others who have problems similar to yours. And once you see how they got theirs straight, then you know how you can get yours straight.

From the experience of the past we derive instructive lessons for the future.

The only thing history teaches us, a wise man once said, is that history doesn’t teach us anything.

I've actually traveled quite a bit with various authors. Judith Miller and I toured the highlands in Scotland with Liz Curtis Higgs, and that was incredible fun. However, I love going with my husband, who - although he is not a writer per se, he is a historian and can give me a lot of insight on various historical locations.

Everyone must learn from the past.

No one has ever used historical examples, near or remote, with the detail, precision, and directness to be found in every page of Shaw.

I leaf through the ancient philosophers and find my newest discoveries there.

What would constitute useful history? That which should teach us our duties and our rights, without appearing to teach them.

We learn from history as much as a rabbit learns from an experiment that's performed upon it.

History is the teacher of life