It is not the literal past, the "facts" of history, that shape us, but images of the past embodied in read more

It is not the literal past, the "facts" of history, that shape us, but images of the past embodied in language.

History -- its what those bitter old men write.

History -- its what those bitter old men write.

Every man is his own ancestor, and every man his own heir. He devises his own fortune, and he inherits read more

Every man is his own ancestor, and every man his own heir. He devises his own fortune, and he inherits his own past.

We live in a world where amnesia is the most wished-for state. When did history become a bad word?

We live in a world where amnesia is the most wished-for state. When did history become a bad word?

Histories make men wise; poets, witty; the mathematics, subtle; natural philosophy, deep; moral, grave; logic and rhetoric, able to contend.

Histories make men wise; poets, witty; the mathematics, subtle; natural philosophy, deep; moral, grave; logic and rhetoric, able to contend.

Despise the enemy strategically, but take him seriously tactically.

Despise the enemy strategically, but take him seriously tactically.

What is amusing now had to be taken in desperate earnest once.

What is amusing now had to be taken in desperate earnest once.

History is a set of lies agreed upon.

History is a set of lies agreed upon.

History is a confused heap of facts.

History is a confused heap of facts.