"He was what I often think is a dangerous thing for a statesman to be - a student of history; and like most of those who study history, he learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones"
- A. J. P. Taylor
About this Quote
This quote by A. J. P. Taylor is a cautioning about the threats of being a trainee of history. He suggests that those who study history are most likely to make errors in the present, as they know the errors of the past. Taylor indicates that a statesman ought to not be a trainee of history, as they may be more likely to repeat the exact same errors. He suggests that a statesman needs to instead concentrate on the present and the future, and not be too influenced by the past. This quote serves as a tip that although it is important to gain from the errors of the past, it is also important to focus on today and the future.
"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"
