"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives"
- Abba Eban
About this Quote
This quote by Abba Eban recommends that people and countries are most likely to make wise decisions when they have tired all other options. This implies that people and nations are most likely to make wise decisions when they have no other option. This could be translated as a caution versus procrastination and a suggestion to make wise choices prior to all other options are gone. It could also be analyzed as a tip to think about all choices prior to deciding, as it is typically the case that the best decision is made when all options have actually been considered. This quote could also be interpreted as a suggestion to learn from the errors of the past, as history can supply important lessons on how to make sensible choices. Eventually, this quote functions as a reminder to make smart choices before all other alternatives are gone, and to gain from the mistakes of the past.
This quote is written / told by Abba Eban between February 2, 1915 and November 17, 2002. He/she was a famous Diplomat from Israel.
The author also have 14 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"