"Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular"
- Aristotle
About this Quote
Aristotle's quote recommends that poetry is a more effective type of expression than history. He thinks that poetry is able to catch the universal truths of life, while history is restricted to the specific occasions of a particular time and location. Poetry is able to catch the essence of a moment, the feelings and feelings that are shared by all people, no matter their background or culture. It is a method to reveal the shared experiences of mankind, and to explore the depths of the human condition. History, on the other hand, is restricted to the truths and information of a specific event or time period. It is unable to catch the universal truths that poetry can. Aristotle's quote recommends that poetry is a more effective type of expression than history, which it has the ability to catch the axioms of life in such a way that history can not.
"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"
