"Human blunders usually do more to shape history than human wickedness"
- A. J. P. Taylor
About this Quote
This quote by A. J. P. Taylor recommends that human errors have a higher impact on history than human malice. Taylor suggests that while human wickedness can trigger harm and damage, it is frequently human mistakes that have the most significant and enduring effects on history. For example, a mistake in a political choice can cause a war, or a miscalculation in a company endeavor can lead to a monetary crisis. In contrast, human wickedness, such as a destructive act of violence, might have a more immediate and localized result. Taylor's quote suggests that it is human mistakes, not human wickedness, that have the best impact on the course of history.
"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"