"Whosoever, in writing a modern history, shall follow truth too near the heels, it may happily strike out his teeth"
- Walter Raleigh
About this Quote
This quote by Walter Raleigh is a warning to those who write modern-day history. He is cautioning that if one follows the truth too carefully, they may suffer the consequences. He is suggesting that fact can be a dangerous thing which one should be careful when writing about it. He is indicating that if one is too honest in their writing, they may be penalized for it. This might be analyzed as an alerting to be mindful when writing about delicate topics, as one might be punished for speaking the fact. Raleigh is suggesting that one need to be mindful of the repercussions of their words and that they ought to take care when writing about the reality. He is warning that if one is too truthful, they might suffer the effects.
"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"
