Famous quote by John Barth

"More history is made by secret handshakes than by battles, bills and proclamations"

About this Quote

John Barth's quote, "More history is made by secret handshakes than by fights, expenses and proclamations", offers an extensive commentary on the frequently unseen forces that form historic events. At first glance, it recommends that informal, hidden arrangements and alliances-- represented by a "secret handshake"-- play a more important role in directing the course of history than the grand, visible occasions that are usually recorded and remembered.

The mention of "battles, bills, and pronouncements" refers to the overt and official methods through which history is commonly understood and recorded. Battles represent military disputes, decisive moments of war that objectively alter nations. Bills symbolize legislation, the formal procedure of enacting laws that govern societies. Proclamations are public or main statements that mark historic milestones. While these are certainly considerable, Barth's quote suggests that they make up simply the surface of historical advancement.

The "secret handshakes", then, symbolize the behind-the-scenes negotiations, individual contracts, and casual networks of power that are not constantly noticeable but similarly, if not more, influential. These could involve clandestine conferences, whispered discussions, and unrecorded decisions made in the passages of power that never ever make it to the general public eye but have extensive influence on nationwide and worldwide events. Political, economic, and social outcomes are often dictated by these concealed plans between leaders, diplomats, or influential figures who hold sway over main decisions.

In essence, Barth emphasizes the complexity of historical causation. History is not exclusively the outcome of what shows up and recorded; it typically depends upon hidden characteristics and social relationships that lie below the surface area. This perspective encourages a much deeper analysis of historical stories, prompting us to think about the less visible, however equally potent, forces at play in shaping the destiny of societies. Barth's quote suggests a more nuanced understanding of power and influence, challenging us to look beyond the apparent and think about the subtle, concealed machinations that drive historical modification.

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About the Author

USA Flag This quote is from John Barth somewhere between May 27, 1930 and today. He/she was a famous Novelist from USA. The author also have 6 other quotes.
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