"History is an endless repetition of the wrong way of living"
- Lawrence Durrell
About this Quote
This quote by Lawrence Durrell recommends that history is a cycle of duplicating errors. It implies that people are destined duplicate the very same errors over and over once again, never gaining from the past. This might be analyzed as a pessimistic view of humanity, as it suggests that we are unable to gain from our mistakes and development as a types. It might likewise be translated as a cautioning to be mindful of the mistakes of the past, and to strive to make much better decisions in the present. Ultimately, this quote functions as a pointer that history is an effective instructor, and that we must make every effort to gain from it in order to create a better 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"
