The study of history is a powerful antidote to contemporary arrogance. It is humbling to discover how many of our glib assumptions, which seem to us novel and plausible, have been tested before, not once but many times and in innumerable guises; and discovered to be, at great human cost, wholly false.
Interpretation
Studying history helps us recognize and question our modern assumptions, preventing arrogance.
This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding history as it reveals the recurring nature of human thought and folly. By examining past events and the assumptions that have led to mistakes, we can develop a more grounded perspective on our current beliefs and avoid the arrogance that often accompanies ignorance of historical lessons.
In practice
During a speech addressing current global issues, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of historical awareness.
Indeed it is the protean ability of Western civilization to be self-critical and self-correcting - not only in producing wealth but over the whole range of human activities - that constitutes its most decisive superiority over any of its rivals.
The image of the scientist who puts the pursuit of truth before anything else has been shattered and replaced by a man on the make or a quasi-religious enthusiast who wants to prove his case at any cost. Science is becoming the tool of campaigning warfare, in which truth is the first casualty.
What strikes the historian surveying anti-Semitism worldwide over more than two millennia is its fundamental irrationality. It seems to make no sense, any more than malaria or meningitis makes sense.
If anti-Semitism is a variety of racism, it is a most peculiar variety, with many unique characteristics. In my view as a historian, it is so peculiar that it deserves to be placed in a quite different category. I would call it an intellectual disease, a disease of the mind, extremely infectious and massively destructive.
I would rather discover one true cause than gain the kingdom of Persia.
For such, _x000D_ Being made beautiful overmuch, _x000D_ Consider beauty a sufficient end, _x000D_ Lose natural kindness and maybe _x000D_ The heart-revealing intimacy _x000D_ That chooses right, and never find a friend.
Why not make the work easier and more interesting so that people do not have to sweat? The Toyota style is not to create results by working hard. It is a system that says there is no limit to people’s creativity. People don’t go to Toyota to ‘work’ they go there to ‘think’
A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.
Deciding to be honest was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, and also the most important.
Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.