"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man"
- Percy Bysshe Shelley
About this Quote
This quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley speaks with the idea that history is a continuous cycle, repeating itself over and over again. He recommends that history is like a poem, composed by time, which it is based on the memories of man. This indicates that history is not fixed, but rather is continuously changing and evolving as memories are passed down from generation to generation. It likewise recommends that history is not simply a collection of realities and dates, however rather a living, breathing thing that is shaped by the collective memories of humankind. This quote talks to the idea that history is not simply a record of the past, but rather a living, breathing thing that is continuously being shaped and improved by the cumulative memories of humankind. It is a reminder that our memories are effective and that they can shape the future, simply as they have actually shaped the past.
This quote is written / told by Percy Bysshe Shelley between August 4, 1792 and July 8, 1822. He/she was a famous Poet from England, the quote is categorized under the topic History. The author also have 37 other quotes.
"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"
