"Our ignorance of history causes us to slander our own times"
- Gustave Flaubert
About this Quote
In this quote, Gustave Flaubert is highlighting the negative repercussions of being ignorant about history. He recommends that when we lack knowledge about the past, we are more likely to criticize and speak adversely about our present times. This is since we are unable to comprehend the context and complexities of today without comprehending the occasions and circumstances that caused it. Flaubert is indicating that our ignorance of history can lead us to make unjust and inaccurate judgments about our own era. Therefore, he emphasizes the value of studying history in order to have a better understanding of our present and prevent slandering it.
"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"
