"Antiquities are history defaced, or some remnants of history which have casually escaped the shipwreck of time"
- Francis Bacon
About this Quote
This quote by Francis Bacon talks to the concept that history is delicate and can easily be lost gradually. He recommends that antiquities are the remnants of history that have actually endured the "shipwreck of time" and are all that stay of the past. He implies that these artifacts are the only proof of what has been lost, and that they are a pointer of the fragility of history. He also suggests that these artifacts are "defaced" by time, meaning that they are not in their initial type and have been altered by the death of time. This quote speaks to the importance of protecting history and comprehending the importance of artifacts in understanding the past. It also works as a reminder that history is fleeting and can easily be lost if not correctly protected.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
