"History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul"
- Lord Acton
About this Quote
This quote by Lord Acton talks to the value of understanding and gaining from history. He suggests that history is not a concern, but rather a chance to get insight and understanding. History can offer us with a much better understanding of the world and our place in it. It can help us to appreciate the battles and successes of those who have come before us, and to gain from their mistakes. History can likewise provide us with a sense of identity and belonging, as it can help us to comprehend our own culture and heritage. By comprehending the past, we can gain a higher gratitude for today and a much better vision for the future. History is not a problem, however a lighting of the soul.
"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"
