"History shows us that other highly developed forms of civilization have collapsed. Who knows whether the same fate does not await our own?"
- Christian Lous Lange
About this Quote
In this quote, Christian Lous Lange is reflecting on the cyclical nature of history and the possible failure of our own civilization. He points out that throughout history, there have actually been other sophisticated societies that have ultimately crumbled and disappeared. This works as a caution that our own civilization may also face a comparable fate. Lange's words urge us to consider the actions and decisions we make as a society, and to question whether they will lead us towards a prosperous future or towards our downfall. It is a suggestion to not take our existing state of advancement for approved and to be conscious of the lessons that history has actually taught us.
"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"
