"All the lessons of history in four sentences: Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad with power. The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small. The bee fertilizes the flower it robs. When it is dark enough, you can see the stars"

This quote by Charles A. Beard is a suggestion of the power of history and the lessons it can teach us. The first sentence recommends that those who are offered too much power can be ruined by it. The second sentence implies that justice is sluggish however ultimately effective. The 3rd sentence is a metaphor for how drawing from something can also benefit it. Lastly, the 4th sentence is a tip that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope. All of these lessons can be applied to our own lives, reminding us to be humble and to never give up. History can be a powerful instructor, and this quote is a suggestion of that.