A witty woman is a treasure; a witty beauty is a power.
George MeredithRead
Memoirs are the backstairs of history.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Memoirs provide a personal perspective on historical events, often revealing truths that official history overlooks.
This quote by George Meredith emphasizes the value of memoirs as personal narratives that offer unique insights into historical events. Rather than being mere accounts of facts, memoirs often illuminate the emotions, motivations, and experiences of individuals, allowing readers to understand history from a more personal and intimate perspective. They function as 'backstairs' because they provide access to the less formal and often overlooked aspects of the past that traditional history may fail to capture.
Themes
MemoirsHistoryPersonal PerspectiveNarrativeTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of personal testimonies in understanding history.
More from George Meredith
All quotes βNot till the fire is dying in the grate, Look we for any kinship with the stars. Oh, wisdom never comes when it is gold, And the great price we paid for it full worth: We have it only when we are half earth. Little avails that coinage to the old!
George MeredithRead
Days, when the ball of our vision_x000D_ _x000D_ Had eagles that flew unabashed to sun;_x000D_ _x000D_ When the graps on the bow was decision,_x000D_ _x000D_ And arrow and hand and eye were one;_x000D_ _x000D_ When the Pleasures, like waves to a swimmer,_x000D_ _x000D_ Came heaving for rapture ahead! -_x000D_ _x000D_ Invoke them, they dwindle, they glimmer_x000D_ _x000D_ As lights over mounds of the dead.
George MeredithRead
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