"History is the transformation of tumultuous conquerors into silent footnotes"
- Paul Eldridge
About this Quote
This quote by Paul Eldridge speaks with the idea that history is an effective force that can form and reshape the story of the past. It suggests that those who have actually been powerful and influential in the past can eventually become forgotten and unimportant. This is a tip that no matter how powerful or influential someone might be, their tradition can eventually fade away. It also talks to the concept that history is constantly altering and developing, and that those who have actually been effective in the past might not remain so in the future. This quote functions as a reminder that no matter how effective someone may be, their tradition can eventually end up being a footnote in history. It is a reminder that no one is immune to the power of history and that no one can remain effective forever.
"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"
