This quote by Albert Bushnell Hart recommends that few people in history have actually been genuinely important. This suggests that many people, even those who have made a great influence on history, are exchangeable. Hart is suggesting that while some individuals might have made an excellent contribution to history, their lack would not have had a considerable effect on the course of history. He is likewise indicating that the few individuals who are truly vital are those who have actually made a lasting and irreplaceable contribution to history. This quote functions as a tip that while some individuals might have made a great effect on history, their lack would not have had a significant effect on the course of history. It is a pointer that no one is genuinely important and that history is formed by the cumulative efforts of many individuals.
"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"
