What is the essence of theosophy? It is the fact that man, being himself divine, can know the divinity whose life he shares. As an inevitable corollary to this supreme truth comes the fact of the brotherhood of man.
Annie BesantRead
An accurate knowledge of the past of a country is necessary for everyone who would understand its present, and who desires to judge of its future.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding a country's history is essential to grasp its current state and predict its future.
Annie Besant emphasizes the importance of historical awareness in understanding a nation's identity and trajectory. A well-informed perspective on the past allows individuals to critically analyze the present conditions of their country and make informed judgments about what lies ahead. This quote suggests that history is not just a collection of dates and events; it is a crucial tool for informed decision-making and comprehension of societal dynamics.
Themes
HistoryUnderstandingPresentFutureKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on history, one might quote, 'An accurate knowledge of the past of a country is necessary for everyone who would understand its present, and who desires to judge of its future.'
More from Annie Besant
All quotes βNo durable things are built on violent passion. Nature grows her plants in silence and in darkness, and only when they have become strong do they put their heads above the ground.
Annie BesantRead
Death consists, indeed, in a repeated process of unrobing, or unsheathing. The immortal part of man shakes off from itself, one after the other, its outer casings, and - as the snake from its skin, the butterfly from its chrysalis - emerges from one after another, passing into a higher state of consciousness.
Annie BesantRead
Let Indian history be set side by side with Europe history with what there is of the latter century by century and let us see whether India need blush at the comparison.
Annie BesantRead
My own life in India, since I came to it in 1893 to make it my home, has been devoted to one purpose, to give back to India her ancient freedom.
Annie BesantRead
Knowledge is essential to conquest; only according to our ignorance are we helpless. Thought creates character. Character can dominate conditions. Will creates circumstances and environment.
Annie BesantRead
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History is the queen of the humanities. It teaches wisdom and humility, and it tells us how things change through time.
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It is like writing history with lightning and my only regret is that it is all so terribly true.
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