Famous quote by George Savile

"The best Qualification of a Prophet is to have a good Memory"

About this Quote

The statement "The best Qualification of a Prophet is to have a good Memory" by George Savile explores the nature of foresight, wisdom, and the ways in which humans interpret predictions. At face value, a prophet is someone who can foretell the future, credited with special insight or connection to the divine or to a deeper understanding of the world. However, Savile’s remark injects skepticism and wit into the idea, suggesting that prophecy is less about supernatural gifts and more about remembering the past and cleverly applying that knowledge to present circumstances.

Memory is essential for recognizing patterns, understanding context, and drawing meaningful conclusions from historical events. A good memory equips a person with the tools to notice repetition in human behavior and societal developments, providing a rational basis for informed guesses about what may come. Someone who recalls not only the events but their causes and effects can appear almost prescient or oracular simply by extrapolating from past experience.

Savile’s observation may also subtly criticize the acclaim and authority prophets attract. By attributing their ‘qualification’ to mere memory, he suggests that the line between insight and common sense is thin, and that those believed to possess extraordinary vision are often just adept students of history. This viewpoint serves as a reminder to treat grand pronouncements about the future with caution. The wisdom and ‘vision’ we admire in others is often the result of attentive study and reflection rather than innate genius or mystical powers.

Furthermore, this aphorism touches on the human tendency to be enthralled by mystery or supernatural explanations, sometimes neglecting the value of conscientious learning and recall. By elevating memory as the core competency of prophets, Savile humorously demystifies the role, championing rational scrutiny and the accumulation of knowledge as the basis for any credible prediction.

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About the Author

England Flag This quote is from George Savile between July 18, 1726 and January 10, 1784. He/she was a famous Politician from England. The author also have 27 other quotes.
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